Bird's eye-view of Longwangtou Bathing Beach of Pingtan

"I remember the stone houses and the sea. They are part of my childhood memories," said Gao Zhibo. Go through Gao's Douyin account and you'll realize he only has his eyes on Pingtan. Most of his work centers on the rugged coastline of this island he called home. He believes photography is the matrimony of lights and shadows. From the soaring white windmills in the sky of Changjiang'ao Wind Farm to the roaring waves of Longwangtou Bathing Beach, let's witness the perfect combination of man and nature through photography. Pingtan is a rising international tourism island off E China’s Fujian province.

Unspoiled coast of Pingtan

"When I was in school, I enjoyed taking photos of random moments of everyday life with my mobile phone," Gao Zhibo said, recalling how he began his journey in photography. In middle school, he would make his impromptu adventures on his electric scooter to various places on the island."I used to ride till the battery ran out before heading home,"Gao Zhibo added with a smile, sharing his natural connection and love for nature from a young age.

After the college entrance exam, Gao Zhibo wasted no time in purchasing photography equipment and devoted himself to the art. "For me, photography is more than just capturing life, it gives me the purpose of preserving beautiful and magical moments into eternity. When I review my works, I'm reminded of the wonderful days I spent exploring my hometown," he said. His passion for photography was so strong that he even gave up his favorite video games.

In Gao Zhibo's short videos, the stunning aerial footage accompanied by harmonious background music brings a sense of inner peace. Currently, his works garnered over three million views online.

As a saying goes, "I heard of a fairy mountain on the sea and in the ethereal nothingness." Gao said the diverse island scenery evoked a range of emotions when taken from different perspectives. "Gazing up at the sky, you'll merely see the fleeting clouds; from a bird's eye view, you'll witness a plethora of surprising delights. For example, once I encountered an amazing advection fog. The entire sea and village were shrouded in the mist, and the thin layers were rippling, obscure yet vividly evocative and otherworldly."

Sea sparkles, also known as blue tears, sprinkle the beach with a stunning and enchanting glow.

Gao Zhibo also has a passion for time-lapse photography. He believes that Pingtan's pristine environment has attracted many stargazing photographers. "The blue sky dotted with shimmering stars blends with the sea. The blue tears sparkle with glistening blue on the sea. With the formidable cliffs, it gives people a feeling of the natural grandeur," said Gao.

When asked about his future plans, Gao stated that after graduation, he will focus his lens on the culture and people of Pingtan and allow more people to experience the local customs and scenery.

Amid verdant foliage, clusters of quaint homes exude serenity.

Under the effect of light and shadow, the clusters of traditional quaint stone houses make an oil painting.

"With his unique style and highly aesthetic photos, the works of Gao Zhibo are featured on major photography websites. Now a third-year university student, Gao Zhibo is a contracted photographer for 8KRAW, Visual China, and TuChong. Gao attributes his success to his hometown of Pingtan. Having found his passion for photography, he realized there wasn't much coverage on the island, so he decided to capture and share its beauty with his lens. Gao's work eventually gained recognition from multiple platforms- a recognition of his success and the beauty of his hometown.

Landscape photographers must explore awe-inspiring natural environments to capture breathtaking scenery.

Gao Zhibo explained that landscape photographers commonly spend several hours or even days waiting in a single location to capture stunning moments. Unlike taking photos with a mobile phone, landscape photography demands great physical stamina, as they frequently have to trek through rugged terrain while carrying heavy equipment, and also have to be up early and stay out late to produce their finest works.

A high-speed train slips into a mysterious world.

According to Gao Zhibo, the emotional and experiential rewards of each photo shoot are more important to him than the difficulties he faces on the journey. When the Pingtan Strait Rail-Road Bridge, the world's longest sea-crossing rail-road bridge, was inaugurated, he traveled alone to capture the bridge's magnificence from a unique perspective, hoping to share his joy with others. "Pingtan is where I was born, and the bridge's construction has been a long-awaited dream of the people of Pingtan, as well as a mega project that overcomes world-class challenges. When I saw the grandeur of the bridge, I immediately grabbed my camera and drone to capture the excitement. This moment is unforgettable, and I conveyed my passion through my photos, sharing it with others and allowing them to experience the same emotions," he said.　

Breathtaking afterglow of Pingtan

In Gao Zhibo's photography, he skillfully captures the rustic charm of stone houses, the awe-inspiring moments of sunrise and sunset, and the mesmerizing transformations of the starry sky, creating a rich atmosphere that evokes a deep emotional response in viewers. His unique personality shines through in his work, forging a powerful spiritual connection with those who behold it.

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