Stargazers flock to Hami for Perseid meteor shower

The annual Sweet Whispers to the Galaxy Festival is being held from Monday to Saturday in Hami, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, drawing professional and amateur astrophotographers and drone aerial photographers from across the country.

As the Perseid meteor shower peaked on Tuesday and Wednesday at Hami's Dahaidao Scenic Area, observers ventured deep into the remote area and captured stunning panoramas of the Milky Way and meteors streaking across the night sky.

Dahaidao is an ideal location for stargazing and astrophotography due to its vast expanse of wind-eroded Yardang formations and minimal light pollution.

One team livestreamed stargazing observations in the Gobi Desert, giving viewers real-time access to the star-studded sky above the yardang landforms.

The event combined intangible cultural heritage, folk performances and the promotion of astronomy. It highlighted Hami's unique geology and starry skies, cementing its reputation as a premier astro-tourism destination.