In a world of infinite scroll and oversaturated filters, photographer Kirill Sokolov is slowing things down—way down. Armed with analog cameras and a sixth sense for energy ‘n’ aesthetics, the Russian-born, Shanghai-based creative has been documenting the heartbeat of China’s nightlife for the past five years, frame by frame.
What began as a mission to find community in Shanghai’s club scene has become a visceral, cinematic archive of a cultural shift. From steamy underground raves in Chengdu to mega-clubs in Beijing, Sokol’s lens has witnessed it all, from intimate dancefloors to unfiltered joy, pandemic-era resilience, and the slow-burn comeback of China’s after-dark energy.
Shooting exclusively on film, his portraits of party kids, DJs, and dancefloor moments feel raw and timeless, equal parts nostalgic and urgent. The aesthetic hits hard, especially in an era where nightlife is as much about digital clout as IRL connections. You can almost feel the sweat, the bass, the fleeting magic of 4 AM.
As China’s club scene morphs into a 24/7 culture—where it’s not unheard of to spot Rick Owens or Raf Simons disciples mid-rave—Sokol keeps it real. His work is a reminder that at the core of the chaos, it’s still about freedom, music, and finding your people.
Check out Sokol’s Instagram account here to see more of his vibrant work.
All images via Instagram/sokolll.kirilll.
