Foreign influencers visit Xichong International Dark Sky Community

On Nov. 24, Anzelika Smirnova was overjoyed by Saturn’s beauty as she viewed the planet through a 20.3 cm aperture telescope at the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory’s observation area Xichong.

“Look, look! Saturn’s rings! They’re getting clearer!” Smirnova, a Latvian influencer well-versed in Chinese culture, exclaimed.

Anze’s passion for stargazing began as a child — her father, an astronomy enthusiast, often took her to observe the stars and moon. However, since moving to China 17 years ago, she rarely had the chance to admire the night sky so clearly.

“Seeing such a beautiful night sky today feels both breathtaking and incredibly romantic,” she shared.

From Nov. 24 to 28, the meteorological promotion and science popularization center of the China Meteorological Administration, in collaboration with other institutions, organized the “Vlog China: Feel Meteorology” event in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Guests from the "Vlog China: Feel Meteorology" event pose for a photo in the Xichong International Dark Sky Community. File photo

The first stop was the Xichong International Dark Sky Community in Shenzhen, providing Smirnova and three other foreign influencers a unique opportunity to witness a star-filled sky. Situated at the southernmost tip of Shenzhen’s Dapeng Peninsula, roughly 60 kilometers from the city center, Xichong is an ideal location for astronomical observation.

Visitors notice the distinct streetlights at the foot of the hills: their yellow light is not only softer but also more focused, preventing light scatter. Within the community, various signs use lower color temperature lighting, resembling the gentle light of dusk.

“In 2021, after we initiated the goal of building a dark sky community, many local businesses joined us in this endeavor,” explained Mei Lin, head of the astronomy department at the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory.

Through measures like the scientific renovation of lighting fixtures to reduce light pollution, Xichong received certification as an International Dark Sky Community in 2023 — the first in China and the second in Asia.

Amber Harrison, a program specialist for the International Dark Sky Community program, commented, “The Xichong International Dark Sky Community demonstrates that through carefully designed lighting schemes, it’s entirely possible to create a nighttime environment that is both safe and beneficial for the community while also protecting the natural world. Xichong connects people with nature and sets an example for other regions.”

Mei Lin informed the visitors that since the establishment of the dark sky community, the number of days with active fireflies had increased from 35 in 2022 to 110 in 2024. The area attracts over 2 million tourists annually, which has created more than 200 local jobs, and has brought in over 100 million yuan (US$14 million) in investment.

“Economic development is important, but protecting the starry sky is also very important,” said Lorite. “Shenzhen has struck a balance between environmental protection and urban development,” added Smirnova.