Ningbo photographer wows internet with stunning stellar images
People's Daily app
1701876848000

‍‍‍‌‍‍‌

A 24-second video of a natural light display in China’s skies has gone viral across Chinese mainland social media. 

Scarlet aurora over Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, shot by Li.

The photographer behind the footage is 24-year-old Li Shengyu, hailing from Ningbo in East China.

Prompted by aurora forecasts on November 29, Li traveled 3,300 kilometers to the Inner Mongolia city of Genhe. 

“It’s exceptionally rare to witness such auroras in China,” he said. The brilliance surpassed Li’s expectations, leading to a filming session which lasted over five hours.

Li Shengyu under the starry night sky.

“I found myself on a mountain, facing temperatures around -30 degrees Celsius,” Li said. “Despite being bundled up, I was still shivering.”  

Li saw the first lights about 6:36 pm on December 1. 

Using multiple cameras, he captured shots from different angles until about 4 am on December 2.

Li took up amateur astro-photography three years ago and is always on the lookout for celestial wonders. 

Summertime Milky Way, shot by Li. 

He braves remote locations and inclement weather conditions in pursuit of the Milky Way, meteor showers and lightning bolts to captivate online audiences.

Li became a star enthusiast at college and later joined a 600-member community of sky gazers in Zhejiang Province. 

Rare upper-atmospheric lightning, shot by Li high up in Ningbo’s Siming Mountains. 

“In our group chat, we discuss the possibility of a breathtaking sunrise or sunset today, pinpoint areas with intriguing weather phenomena and share insights on potential occurrences like sun halos,” Li said.

The online enthusiasts share, plan and embark on adventures to try and capture the beauty of the sky. 

Iridescent pileus clouds, shot by Li.

“Life in a modern society can be overwhelming,” Li said. “I hope more people could take a moment to pause, look up at the sky and marvel at its unique magnificence.”

(Source: Ningbo Evening News)