A Night in Heyuan: An Unexpected but Successful Detour

Introduction

Our first trip to Heyuan took an unforeseen turn when an evening flat tire demanded an emergency stop before we could continue our journey the next day.

The trouble led us to a bright, pragmatic sanctuary in the darkness: a large building immediately identifiable by its striking neon sign and a flag flying outside. Inside, we quickly secured the necessary supplies, finding essential items near a well-stocked tire rack. After retrieving the spare, we took a short break on a yellow bench adorned with two Continental tires while the punctured tire was set aside on a metal net. As we managed the emergency, a nearby lot caught our eye, featuring a tent lit by a neon moon and stars, and a small, surprising distraction: a Rubik's cube resting on the windowsill. Relieved and ready for rest, we drove away, passing a cheerful "Merry Christmas" sign—a reminder that the unexpected delay couldn't eclipse the festive season.

We soon settled into a cozy, nearby bar, whose entrance hinted at the welcoming sanctuary we craved. The dimly lit space showcased various bottles of alcoholic beverages. Inside, the aesthetic was impressive; a wall lined with numerous bottles cast a warm, amber glow. We found a comfortable spot, marked by a table with a glass of water and a focused light.

The process of unwinding began with our first round of drinks. One was topped with ice, while another offered a bright, zesty contrast: a margarita glass garnished with a lime. The perfect presentation of a margarita sitting on a table with a lime, alongside a simpler one, perfectly set the mood for the evening.

As our conversation flowed, an orange, flower-shaped light fixed to the wall added a quirky touch. We ordered snacks, starting with a bowl of chips and a glass of water, and then moved onto more substantial fare, including a plate of food with a drink and a glass of wine and another plate of food.

Feeling restored and prepared for the next day, a final glance through a doorway revealed the candid scene of the back kitchen of V Lounge whiskey bar—the place that had unexpectedly rescued our evening. The flat tire was now history, and the night in Heyuan had, surprisingly, ended in success.

Gears & Settings

Gears & Settings

Figures

Camera

Apple iPhone 17

Lens

iPhone 17 back dual wide camera 5.96mm f/1.6

Creative Style

FotorGear Polaroid Simulation

Date

27 November 2025

Location

Heyuan, Guangdong

Photos

A large building with a neon sign and a flag on it at night#: 1 | SS: 1/25s | ISO: 603 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 26mm

A tent with a neon moon and stars on the ground#: 2 | SS: 1/56s | ISO: 463 | F: 1.6 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 26mm

A tire rack with tires on it#: 3 | SS: 1/49s | ISO: 216 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 26mm

A yellow bench with two Continental tires on it#: 4 | SS: 1/50s | ISO: 161 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 26mm

A Rubik's cube on the windowsill#: 5 | SS: 1/50s | ISO: 175 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 26mm

A pile of tires on a metal net#: 6 | SS: 1/50s | ISO: 412 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 26mm

A sign that says merry christmas#: 7 | SS: 1/50s | ISO: 140 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 26mm

A dark bar with few lights and bottles of alcoholic#: 8 | SS: 1/18s | ISO: 1039 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -1.7 | FL35: 26mm

A table with a glass of water and a light on it#: 9 | SS: 1/44s | ISO: 516 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -1.3 | FL35: 26mm

A orange light with a flower shape on the wall#: 10 | SS: 1/33s | ISO: 611 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -2.0 | FL35: 26mm

A drink with ice on top of it#: 11 | SS: 1/50s | ISO: 510 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -1.3 | FL35: 26mm

A drink with ice on top of it#: 12 | SS: 1/50s | ISO: 519 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 26mm

A margarita glass with a lime on it#: 13 | SS: 1/49s | ISO: 281 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -1.3 | FL35: 26mm

A margarita sitting on a table with a lime#: 14 | SS: 1/49s | ISO: 383 | F: 2.2 | +/-: -1.7 | FL35: 26mm

A margarita on a table#: 15 | SS: 1/49s | ISO: 154 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -1.7 | FL35: 26mm

A bar with a lot of bottles on the wall#: 16 | SS: 1/34s | ISO: 584 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -1.3 | FL35: 26mm

A bowl of chips on a table with a glass of water#: 17 | SS: 1/50s | ISO: 142 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -1.7 | FL35: 26mm

A plate of food on a table with a drink#: 18 | SS: 1/50s | ISO: 168 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -1.7 | FL35: 29mm

A glass of wine and a plate of food#: 19 | SS: 1/49s | ISO: 258 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -1.7 | FL35: 29mm

The back kitchen of V Lounge whiskey bar#: 20 | SS: 1/20s | ISO: 1008 | F: 1.6 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 52mm

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