Czech photographer explores SZ with his lens

                                                Video and photos by Xu Shuntian unless otherwise stated 

Frantisek Bina, from the Czech Republic, was one of the winners of the sixth Expats Eye Shenzhen Photo Contest. Having immersed himself in the vibrant city of Shenzhen for the past seven years while working for a local audio company, Bina has developed a profound affection for exploring Shenzhen’s hidden gems.

Award-winning photos

His award-winning photos narrate a story of their own. “It’s kind of my special personal project because it’s all based on one special lens that’s actually coming from a Shenzhen manufacturer. It leads to very challenging photos that you really have to be on the lookout for the opportunity to use it, and I like to take it around the city,” he told Shenzhen Daily.

A photo taken by Frantisek Bina. Courtesy of the interviewee

This year, many of the photos were taken at the former Kingway Brewery site, now a popular space for coffee lovers and families to unwind. “We have been part of it from the beginning. Lots of my friends, they have been witnessing the changes,” he said.

One photo from Bina's "City Renewed" series, which he submitted for the sixth Expats Eye Shenzhen Photo Contest.

Courtesy of the interviewee

A gateway to explore SZ

For Bina, photography serves as a gateway to explore Shenzhen. Always on the lookout for hidden gems, he delves into various sources, like Shenzhen Daily and Chinese-language media, or meticulously studies maps and satellite images.

His explorations have taken him to every corner of Shenzhen, unearthing the city’s diversity, distinctiveness, and rich historical legacy.

“I’ve been to all the subway lines. One year, I did a special project. I went to the terminal station of every single subway line — going around, learning a bit more about the place, taking photos there,” Bina shared.

“Many people think there’s nothing in Shenzhen, it is so artificial. But actually, if you go around the city, you will find that each district is a bit different, and you will start learning about the rich history of the city,” he said.

From ancient villages inhabited for generations to welcoming local communities nestled amidst historic buildings from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the city holds myriad stories within its changing landscape, according to Bina.

“For me, it is just this excitement of going around the city that leads you to learn this area. Sometimes you just learn around these places and then from time to time you visit them again in different lights, in different conditions, to really see how they go through the year,” he explained.

The photographer said he wants to document this transformation and capture the essence of Shenzhen’s evolution.

“There are so many local communities that were moved away or their place changed so much over time that you cannot recognize it anymore. A big example is Baishizhou. Baishizhou nowadays is like the future construction of modern living. The old Baishizhou is just gone,” Bina said.

Bina at an interview with Shenzhen Daily in his office. 

He believes in the importance of preserving these moments in time, immortalizing the past for future generations to witness the vibrant life that once thrived here.

Bina moved to Shenzhen in 2017 because of his Chinese girlfriend, who is now his wife. “I was guided here by love,” he remarked. “Shenzhen is changing so much because when I first came here years ago, Shenzhen was a different place. I want to capture these changes,” he shared.

Photographer community

Bina is actively involved in Shenzhen’s photography community, which includes members from all over the world, including China. Together, they participate in city excursions, events, and workshops.

Frantisek Bina's office.

“I truly relish the photographer community here in Shenzhen,” he shared. “It’s mostly organized by me actually, alongside a few key members who are dedicated to propelling the community to reach some goals.”

“Presently, our activities range from half-day city trips to full-day excursions outside Shenzhen. We’ve visited Hong Kong and Guangzhou several times. Our upcoming itinerary includes Zhongshan, due to the new bridge there. In our community, my role involves scouting intriguing locations within the city and persuading others to join me in exploring and capturing these spots,” he said.

Convenient city life

Discussing city life in Shenzhen, Bina is particularly fond of the convenience it offers. “Lots of things are so convenient nowadays,” he said. With extensive digitalization, he can manage almost everything through his phone, from utilizing public transportation and renting cars to ordering food for delivery, he explained.

The rapidity and affordability of these conveniences are elevating Shenzhen’s appeal. “In comparison to Europe, such services would be more costly and time-consuming.”

Frantisek Bina shares his ideas in his office.

Even for mundane needs, the ease of access is impressive. He found that if he runs out of an item, all he needs to do is place a quick order and it will be delivered within 15 minutes.

He is also impressed by the city’s efficient public transportation system. “With public transport, you can really get everywhere easily. It allows you, even as a visitor or as a photographer, to explore the city,” he noted.