The best preserved out of the three Darbar squares in Kathmandu valley, and only 20 minutes out of the city, visiting Bhaktapur is like stepping back in time. Wandering past temples and hidden courtyards, the best way to discover Bhaktapur is to wander aimlessly through its narrow cobblestone streets and to soak in the culture.

Photographer Elaine Wang Yiwei visited Bhaktapur early morning and captured how daily life unfolds in this town.

All photographs: Elaine Wang Yiwei

Bhaktapur sunrise Days begin early in Bhaktapur as people make their way to work just as the sun is rising.
Two men smoking Two men smoke from a traditional Shisha.
Yellow brick road A woman in traditional Newari dress walks down an empty road in the town.
Window watching A girl leans out curiously from one of the windows of her brick house.
Nepali man in the sun A Nepali man wearing a Nepali topi and scarf basks in the early morning sun.
Ready for work A man leaves his house for work.
Feeling the warmth A woman drying her hands after washing her hands at a faucet.
Groceries by the street A man sells puja essentials in front of his motorcycle.
Morning sunshine A woman sits in a temple and enjoys the morning sunshine.
Covering up A man covers himself in a shawl and enjoys the morning sunshine.
Playing ball before school A boy plays football in his uniform before school.
Going for a walk A woman holds her baby and walks along the edge of a pond.
Waiting for school A girl and a boy carry school bags and wait to go to school.
Pottery work A woman dips the crocks in the pigment and dries them in the sun.
Refining work A woman refines a crock using her fingers.