"Stranger in My Homeland" is a personal photography project inspired by my adoption journey and that of my sisters. Born in China and adopted by a Dutch couple at one year old, returning to China brought a mix of emotions: joy, sadness, comfort, and reflection. It made me realize how my past shaped me and sparked questions about what my life might have been like if I had not been adopted.


On October 26, 2024, I traveled to China with my parents and sisters. We stayed in Shanghai for 10 days and visited Hangzhou and Suzhou for a day. I photographed the vibrant scenes of these cities and enhanced the bright colors using Lightroom. This project shares my journey through visual storytelling and photography, showing the beauty and energy of Shanghai.