A celebration of photography and culture centered on the breathtaking night sky of Hami in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region kicked off on Sept 20 at the city's Zuo Zongtang Fenghuangtai Historical and Cultural Park and concluded last Friday.

The "Ten Years Overlooking Hami" Photography Culture Week and the annual "Sweet Whispers to the Galaxy" Festival were jointly organized by the government of Hami prefecture, China Image Group, Economic Observer News, and China National Travel magazine.

More than 30 professional and amateur astrophotographers and drone aerial photographers from across the country attended the event. Some of the professionals gave lectures on various topics to the city's photography enthusiasts.

The highlight of the event came on Sept 22, just before the autumnal equinox, when astrophotographers ventured deep into the Pterosaur-Yardang Dahaidao Scenic Area. The site, known for its wind-eroded Yardang landforms, offers an ideal location for stargazing and astrophotography thanks to its vast, flat expanse of desert rock hills and minimal light pollution.

Photographers set up observation points in the heart of the remote area and captured stunning panoramas of the Milky Way, the bright stars of Orion, the zodiacal light of the autumnal equinox, the Rosette Nebula, and the Lagoon Nebula.

Adding a modern touch, a team live-streamed their observations, offering millions of viewers around the world a real-time glimpse into the serene yet majestic beauty of the Hami desert's starry expanse.

The event aims to showcase the region's unique geological features and the captivating beauty of its night sky, further solidifying Hami's reputation as a premier destination for astrotourism.

chenliang@chinadaily.com.cn