Have you ever seen a photograph that completely captivates you and even inspires you to travel? For Honza Musil, that photo was of the sacred Tibetan mountain Minya Gangkar. And that's exactly where we'll go on our next photography journey to China.

You may have the perfect itinerary planned for your next big trip, but plans can change. This can lead to interesting and unexpected experiences that can add variety to your trip and enrich the photo collection you bring home. My recent trip to China was no exception.

Wudang 武當山 is a mountainous realm shrouded in legend and the birthplace of several different types of martial arts. Since ancient times, it has been a place dedicated to training the body and mind. The Chinese philosopher Laozi 老子, most famous for his Book of Changes (I-Ching 易經), resided in these mountains.

Xi'an [Si-an] (西安 - originally Chang'an) is one of the oldest cities in China, the residence of the Tang Dynasty emperors, and the starting point of the Silk Road. The historic city center is a blend of three cultures, dividing the city into parts influenced by Taoist, Buddhist, and Muslim cultures. Each culture has its shrines, street architecture styles, and traditional foods.

If there's a place where modern architecture and a modern lifestyle are slowly overtaking tradition, it's Beijing. With almost 30 million people, it's a bustling metropolis. Modern skyscrapers, glass buildings, and historical sites contrast with gloomy streets full of tangled wires and chaos.

After visiting China, you’ll never be the same. Something inside you will have changed. China will change the way you see the world and change all the preconceptions you had about China until now. Whether you set out to discover the history, landmarks, modern architecture, good tea, or nature, one thing is for sure. China has many faces, and they all interlace.

Architecture comes in countless forms—from medieval castles to modern office complexes. And you have to take your pictures differently for each of these if you want to capture their monumentality, dynamics, and interesting details. Our tips on how to photograph different types of architecture will help here.