Sure, the buns look pretty tasty. But it’s the extra details that make this image so captivating. Just look at the deep red of the robes. The faint neon lights behind the steam. The textured overflow of the steaming containers. The photo has layers and layers of intrigue.
While much of the world is opening up for international travel, China is still pursuing its ‘zero-Covid’ policy and remains strictly off limits. It looks incredibly unlikely that we’ll be able to travel to the country anytime soon, and the above snap really reminds us of what we’re missing.
But Sinophiles can still tour China – in a way – by browsing the winners of the Global SinoPhoto Awards. The second annual edition of the competition celebrates the full breadth of China’s culture, wildlife and landscapes. The photos are on display in Bath, England, at the Museum of East Asian Art from February 16 to May 14 2022. Here are a few of our faves:
‘Bus’ by Arek Rataj
![Arek Rataj / Global SinoPhoto Awards 2021](https://media.timeout.com/images/105864741/image.jpg)
‘Seeking’ by Huang Jianjun
![Huang Jianjun / Global SinoPhoto Awards 2021](https://media.timeout.com/images/105864743/image.jpg)
‘The Shipyard’ by Jiang Xinhe
![Jiang Xinhe / Global SinoPhoto Awards 2021](https://media.timeout.com/images/105864744/image.jpg)
‘Dancing Dreams of a Mountain Girl’ by Li Huaifeng
![Li Huaifeng / Global SinoPhoto Awards 2021](https://media.timeout.com/images/105864745/image.jpg)
‘Shadow Puppets’ by Li Jianping
![Li Jianping / Global SinoPhoto Awards 2021](https://media.timeout.com/images/105864746/image.jpg)
‘Micro World’ by Wen Dong
![Wen Dong / Global SinoPhoto Awards 2021](https://media.timeout.com/images/105864747/image.jpg)
‘Seasonal Sea’ by Yang Tongyu
![Yang Tongyu / Global SinoPhoto Awards 2021](https://media.timeout.com/images/105864748/image.jpg)
‘Two Ice Creams’ by Yevhen Samuchenko
![Yevhen Samuchenko / Global SinoPhoto Awards 2021](https://media.timeout.com/images/105864750/image.jpg)
‘Eroded Oasis’ by Yu Qiyong
![Yu Qiyong / Global SinoPhoto Awards 2021](https://media.timeout.com/images/105864751/image.jpg)
‘Shepherd on an Ancient Road’ by Zhao Jinli
![Zhao Jinli / Global SinoPhoto Awards 2021](https://media.timeout.com/images/105864752/image.jpg)
Looking for more epic photography? Take a look at the incredible winners of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2022.
Plus: this majestic elephant is among the winning snaps at the Sony World Photography Awards 2022.