About a month ago I had an opportunity to visit China for the first time. Apart from knowing I enjoy the (Americanized version) of their cuisine, I have to admit to having little background regarding the Chinese language and culture. What I discovered was a culture steeped in history and tradition, a people filled with kindness, and a beautiful side of the world I had never known.

What impressed me most, perhaps, is what the “Made in China” label has come to mean to me since my return. While there, I witnessed people making beautiful scarves by hand while others delicately pruned tea trees so as to not harm the soft green tea leaves. There were beautiful pagodas under which you could dine and a gentleness towards life and others. This is what Made in China means to me now.

This post will be the first of a three-part journey. The photographs here focus on the city in which I spent the most time, Hangzhou. The next will focus on trips to Yellow Mountain and Wuzhen, and the third will portray the exquisite colors of Shanghai. So, grab a cup of coffe and join me on a mini tour of a lovely city. (Note: Many of these are available in the studio’s online gallery, The Left Bank).