Dive into the abyss: Zhang Fan's blackwater wonders unveiled

An exhibition showcasing 116 blackwater images by photographer Zhang Fan is on display at the Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City in Hainan province. Zhang spent eight years diving into the ocean's depths to capture the images and reveal the ecosystem's hidden wonders.

Blackwater photography is an emerging trend in underwater photography involving using lights to attract nocturnal marine organisms for photographic documentation. Typically conducted in remote waters at depths exceeding 100 meters, this technique requires sophisticated equipment and a keen eye for the unique beauty in the mysterious world beneath the waves.

Over more than 1,000 dives, Zhang captured a diverse array of marine species, including jellyfish, mollusks, octopuses and batfish. His latest exhibition offers a glimpse into the mesmerizing marine life he encountered in locations spanning China, Japan, the Philippines, India and the United States.