May Day in Zhangzhou: Unexpected Calm Through the Lumix GM1

Today marks the 1st of May, 2025, a significant date as it heralds not only the beginning of a new month but also the commencement of the first extended public holiday period in China. There was an anticipation, almost a certainty, that the city streets of Zhangzhou would be teeming with people, a bustling tapestry of locals and tourists alike, all eager to partake in the festive atmosphere.

Armed with my trusty Lumix GM1, a compact yet powerful mirrorless camera, and the ever-reliable Lumix 20mm F1.7 prime lens, known for its sharpness and beautiful bokeh, I ventured out into the urban landscape of Zhangzhou. My mission was simple: to document the city's ambiance on this special day. Through the small viewfinder, I sought to capture the candid moments, the fleeting expressions, and the vibrant scenes that unfolded before me.

The images that resulted, a selection of which are showcased below, offer a glimpse into the essence of Zhangzhou on this holiday. They reflect the city's daily life, its architectural details, and the interactions of its inhabitants, all framed through the perspective of a single lens on a day anticipated for its potential crowds but revealed to have its own distinct rhythm and charm.

Gears & Settings	Figures
Camera	Lumix GM1
Lens	Lumix 20mm F1.7 II
Style	Expressive
Date	May 2025
Location	Zhangzhou, Fujian

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Photos

#: 1SS: 1/200s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.5 | +/-: 0.0

#: 2SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 6.3 | +/-: -0.7

#: 3SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 5.0 | +/-: -0.7

#: 4SS: 1/250s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7

#: 5SS: 1/500s | ISO: 200 | F: 4.5 | +/-: -0.7

#: 6SS: 1/320s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7

#: 7SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 3.5 | +/-: -0.7

#: 8SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 5.0 | +/-: -0.7

#: 9SS: 1/500s | ISO: 200 | F: 5.0 | +/-: -0.7

#: 10SS: 1/160s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.2 | +/-: -0.7

#: 11SS: 1/125s | ISO: 200 | F: 1.7 | +/-: -0.7

#: 12SS: 1/250s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.5 | +/-: -0.7

#: 13SS: 1/100s | ISO: 200 | F: 1.7 | +/-: -0.7

#: 14SS: 1/160s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.2 | +/-: -0.7

#: 15SS: 1/200s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.5 | +/-: -0.7

#: 16SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 3.2 | +/-: -0.7

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