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.

Among the showcased creatures in Zhang's exhibition are organisms ranging from a few millimeters to 1.5 meters in size, including images of batfish feeding, deep-sea shrimp molting and the momentary stillness of swiftly swimming sailfish.

"For humans, the ocean holds countless unknowns. I enjoy exploring the unknown, and photography is a great way to showcase the marine world as I see it," said Zhang, who grew up in Hainan and developed a deep connection to the ocean through island life. Despite being described as hyperactive in his youth, Zhang could spend two days sitting by the beach observing the subtle differences between the seashells and pebbles.

"The visual impact of the exhibited works is profound and beautiful. I deeply admire the photographer's spirit of exploration, dedicating years to waiting and searching in the blackwater depths," said a visitor surnamed Li.

The exhibition marks the first time a blackwater photography-themed show has graced Hainan's shores and represents a return for Zhang, in his 30s, to his home province.

"Many of my blackwater photographs were captured in Hainan, and I have embarked on multiple sea expeditions from Sanya with deep-sea research teams for photography," he said, emphasizing the unique significance of showcasing these works at the Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City.

"For me, the ocean is not a destination but a home. I hope to explore the unknown as much as possible within the limited span of my life and use a beautiful manner to document what I see, enabling more people to understand the vastness of the ocean," Zhang said.

The exhibition runs for 20 days, from Dec 21 to Jan 9.