The siblings discussing photography techniques

Pingtan, China's second international tourism island after Hainan, lies off the coast of Fujian Province, boasting stunning coastal landscapes, traditional stone houses and rich ecological diversity. For siblings Ke Xiaoling and Ke Jian, this scenic island is more than a hometown—it is a lifelong subject of their photographic journeys, with each using distinct lenses to document its evolving charm.

Bird ecology photo by Ke Xiaoling

At 65, Ke Xiaoling embarked on her photography career after retiring as an ophthalmologist and returning to Pingtan in 2018. Unlike many beginners who start with traditional cameras, she immediately embraced aerial photography, only purchasing her first DSLR last year. "I was drawn to the unique perspective drones offer—seeing the sea, stone houses and bridges from above reveals a beauty that's invisible at ground level," she shared. Her adventures have included thrilling moments, such as retrieving a drone blown off course by strong winds, and serendipitous captures, like the Pingtan Strait Rail-cum-Road Bridge shrouded in mist. With tens of thousands of photos stored on her phone, Ke specializes in bird photography, even winning awards at international exhibitions for her shots of rare species like the black-faced spoonbill—proof of Pingtan's robust ecological environment. "Carrying over 10 kilograms of equipment to hike mountains and coastal trails is tiring, but every stunning shot makes it worthwhile," she said.

Salt shoveling worker photo by Ke Jian

Ke Jian, Xiaoling's elder brother, is a towering figure in Pingtan's photography scene and a pioneer in the local wind power industry, his life closely intertwined with the island's development. Since the 1970s, he has dedicated himself to documenting Pingtan's transformation, capturing pivotal changes such as the evolution of Huoshao Port Salt Field into the modern Jinjing New Town. "A photographer's responsibility is to record the times," Ke emphasized. "Great photos aren't about grand gestures—they're about persistence. I've focused on capturing the same places over decades to show how our hometown grows." His commitment is evident in a 2-terabyte hard drive filled with images, preserving scenes that have otherwise vanished. "These photos are a visual archive," he noted. "They let future generations see what Pingtan looked like and how it changed."

The Pingtan Strait Rail-cum-Road Bridge shrouded in mist

While Ke Xiaoling's aerial shots highlight Pingtan's natural splendor, Ke Jian's ground-level work chronicles its urban and social evolution. For both siblings, photography is not a pursuit of fame or profit, but a deeply personal way to connect with their hometown. Through their complementary lenses, they have created an ongoing visual narrative of Pingtan—one that honors its past, celebrates its present and preserves its stories for years to come.