Lijiang from high places

Placed on the ground, He Zhao’s pictures surround the drone which made the unique views possible. [Photo by He Zhao/Yunnan.cn]

Renowned Lijiang-born photographer He Zhao is exhibiting exquisite aerial drone photos of his home town from April 20 at Lijiang Museum.

Uniquely, Zhao has placed the images taken from up above, on the Museum’s floor to give an even more authentic view of what the city looks like from as much as 500 meters up.

Zhao said that thanks to drones, it is easier for photographers to take pictures from up on high. “We used to need to hire a helicopter,” Zhao said, “But now you can assemble your own drones and take photos at almost any angle.”

Snuggled at the foot of the Yulong Snow mountain ranges, like a dog at the feet of its owner, Lijiang soaks up the morning sun. [Photo by He Zhao/Yunnan.cn]

Zhao, who has spent four years working on aerial photography, said he was excited to see his home town from such a unique perspective.

In 2003, Zhao set up his own photo studio, making a short promotional film about Lijiang, which was shown in Times Square in the United States, the United Nations Headquarters, and the Shanghai World Expo Museum.

Hovering above a stream running through the city on a spring day, drones allow for a unique perspective on the ancient city. [Photo by He Zhao/Yunnan.cn]

He Zhao set up his studio in 2003 and a short film he made to promote Lijiang has been screened all over the world, including the Times Square and the United Nations Headquarters in New York as well as Shanghai World Expo Museum.

The exhibition runs until May 20.

A wooden waterwheel turns as light fades in Lijiang. [Photo by He Zhao/Yunnan.cn]