Tag Archive for: Architecture

The famous Hutongs in Beijing are narrow, winding streets that offer a plethora of details for street and cityscape photography enthusiasts. These historical alleys encapsulate the essence of traditional Chinese architecture, with their unique blend of brick, wood, and stone structures. While the color palette may lean towards muted tones, the contrast and texture in these ancient lanes provide a compelling subject for black and white photography, accentuating the interplay of light and shadow.

Amidst the gray facades of the Hutongs, one can discover charming niches adorned with potted plants, ornate doorways, and occasionally, glimpses of local wildlife. Modern cafes nestled within these historic settings offer a juxtaposition of old and new, where visitors can pause to savor a cup of tea or coffee while soaking in the timeless ambiance of these storied neighborhoods. Each corner of the Hutongs holds a story waiting to be captured through the lens, inviting photographers to delve into the rich tapestry of Beijing’s cultural heritage.

Photos taken with the Pentax K3 III and the Pentax DA 21 mm F3.2.

Benjamin Aunkofer - Street Photography in Asia.

Shanghai’s skyline is dominated by numerous skyscrapers, but three stand out as true super-talls: the Shanghai Tower, the World Trade Center, and the Jin Mao Building. Each offers a unique experience for visitors, including access to their rooftops for breathtaking views of the city.

Towering above them all, the Shanghai Tower reigns as the tallest, soaring to over 600 meters in height. Its sleek and innovative design captivates observers, making it not only the tallest but also arguably the most architecturally stunning of the trio. Whether exploring the heights of these skyscrapers for panoramic vistas or marveling at their architectural grandeur, visitors to Shanghai’s skyline are treated to an unforgettable experience at each of these iconic landmarks.


The Jin Mao Tower, a luxurious hotel, provides guests with a captivating inner view of the building’s towering architecture. Meanwhile, the World Trade Center boasts an exhilarating attraction—a glass-floored bridge extending from its summit, offering adrenaline-inducing perspectives of the bustling metropolis below.

Photos taken from the Jin Mao Tower (Hotel) and from the Shanghai Tower with the Pentax K3 II and the Walimex 12 mm F2.8 Fisheye and the Sigma 24-60 mm F2.8 lenses.

Dresden Frauenkirsche Pentax K1 24 70 mm

The Kanzleramt in Berlin is the “White House” in Germany. This picture was a long-time exposure done with a 12mm Fisheye lens.

Berliner Dom

The area around the Berlin Cathedral is a particularly beautiful place with its own neighborhood at the adjacent Hackescher Markt. Actually I wanted to take a photo of the Berlin Cathedral at the blue hour, but I managed to get the much better photo before.