Behind the Lens: a visual diary of Teng’s journey through China

David Teng aka Teng’s six-stop China tour was not just about sharing his deep love for music at various venues—it was also about capturing the essence of each city, club, and crowd through his dual artistry as both a DJ and photographer.

Behind the decks, his musical selections are a masterclass in adaptability, shifting seamlessly from breakbeat to acid to trance and beyond. Behind the camera, he’s just as fluid, capturing the textures of cityscapes, the stillness of nature, and the vibrant chaos of the nightlife he’s immersed in.

In this exclusive gallery, Teng invites us to see the China tour through his eyes. His images blend street photography with the raw, pulsating energy of the underground scene, offering a layered perspective on the diverse atmospheres he encountered in Dali, Changsha, Shanghai and Beijing. Each photo tells a story, revealing the textures of a country where tradition and futurism collide.

So, take a moment to explore Teng's visual diary and dive into his interview below for a deeper connection to the images he shared with us.

Hi Teng! Tell our readers a bit about yourself!

I’m originally from Sydney, Australia. One day, in a spur of the moment decision I took a one year trip abroad. It’s now been 17 years later…


When and why did you start taking photos in clubs? What makes capturing club nights so special to you?

I started documenting nightlife back in Singapore in the later part of the noughties. For me it’s quite a personal experience as I’ve been immersed in club and rave culture for some time now.


Share with us the photographers you look up to and why!

Cinema I would say is my main source of inspo. Ron Fricke and Emmanuel Lubezki come to mind.


How do you approach storytelling as a photographer?

I aim to capture an honest viewpoint of the scenario I find myself in.

Can you tell us a story behind one of your photos?

This shot was taken on the banks of Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan. We had arrived the evening before after a long train ride from Shenzhen. I guess the excitement of being in a new environment got the best of me as my circadian rhythm automatically slid into photography mode. Up before the light broke, I wandered out into the darkness. The dopamine tingles had come out of hiding. A sensation which I still fondly remember when I first picked up a camera. So I knew I was in the right place. I eventually found my toes on the edge of the water, camera locked and loaded.

Words and images can’t quite encapsulate the beauty of a place like Dali. I suggest you check this spot out for yourselves.


Were there any logistical or creative hurdles you faced during the six-stop tour, and how did they impact either your sets or your photography?

I’d have to give a big shoutout to both Chingyi and Nathan from Y2K. Without their communication and organisational expertise it would have been a vastly different experience. We all had such great synergy from behind the decks to navigating around the new terrain. So to answer your question, everything was smooth sailing.


With this tour bridging Hong Kong’s underground scene and China’s electronic music community, how did you capture this cultural exchange through your lens?

From the earthy mountainous landscape of Dali, we gradually made our way into the hustle and bustle of Changsha, Shanghai and Beijing. Here the tone shifted towards a futuristic fast-paced kaleidoscope of sound, light and colours. My camera by my side to take it all in. I wanted to cover a range of different styles from street, event and architectural imagery. My aim was to show a nuanced viewpoint of our first expedition together into the mainland.

Can you tell us about a moment you captured during the tour that continues to captivate you—an unexpected one, perhaps?

Unexpected but indeed expected. It was wonderful to be a part of Changsha’s new community radio station, CCR. Another great reminder of how music and community will always thrive in any given situation.


What are your three favourite tunes at the moment?

- Jichael Mackson 'FRDM'
- Forest On Stasys 'Natura Geometrica'
- Mute 'Vibes' (Gerd Janson Edit)


Your sets span an impressive range of genres, from breakbeat to trance. How did you tailor your selections to suit the unique vibe of each club and audience during the tour, and did you notice any particular genre resonating more with the crowds in China?

Heading in early to each of the venues, checking out the warmup DJ and the crowd you tend to get a good sense of which music would work or not. Because we covered an extensive range of locations the crowds diversity was far and wide. So there wasn’t really one sound that worked in an overall sense.


How did capturing moments from the tour enhance your perspective on the connection between music, space, and audience energy? Did you discover any new techniques or inspirations through this journey?

I have an affinity to street photography. Coupled with DJing it helps give a unique insight to the vibe of each club. Each time I pick up my camera I learn a few things. Generally related to exposure in different situations.


Last but not least; how has this experience influenced your artistry, both as a DJ and a photographer, and what’s next for you creatively after this tour?

It juiced me up to want to cover more destinations both as a photographer and DJ. We have a few projects in the pipeline in a similar vein. Hopefully, we can also get more DJs down from the mainland over to play. Spots like 宀 Club have been essential in continuing to help connect the region together in turn showcasing some great artists. One last shoutout must be given to all of the clubs, promoters, radio stations, DJs and dancers we met along the way. It was such a beautiful experience to visit all of the locations with the most gracious hospitality.

And big love to you, Mixmag Asia, for helping to make this journey possible. Music and dancing breaks down boundaries and is here to unite us all.

Follow Teng on Instagram here.

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