110 light-years is the farthest distance from Earth to the Big Dipper; 5,135 kilometers is a dream-chasing journey full of challenges. Nubia’s "Starry Sky Date" travels thousands of miles across China not only to get closer to the sky, but every step taken with determination also shortens the distance to our dreams. On August 28–30, Nubia packs its dreams and sets off once again, fulfilling the "Starry Sky Date" with you in Hainan.
The pre-event collection for this South China leg of the "Starry Sky Date" gathered nearly 100 dream shooting locations from fans. In the end, Hainan was the overwhelming choice, letting the gentle sea breeze and mild climate leave their mark on this "Starry Sky Date." Known historically as "Qiong Island," Hainan was once described in poetry as "not like the ends of the earth, where willow catkins rise like snowflakes." Today’s Hainan is no longer the farmland scene of Su Shi’s exile days, but has become a romantic synonym for blue seas, clear skies, sandy beaches, and starry nights.
"This is the third stop of the 'Starry Sky Date'," said Nubia staff on this trip. "After the first two events, the response and influence far exceeded our expectations. The fans who signed up for the event come from all walks of life, with diverse interests. Many are experiencing smartphone astrophotography for the first time, but they all share one thing in common: they hold onto their dreams and love life. Now we hope to keep this event going, encouraging everyone who, like us, is passionate about chasing the dreams burning in their hearts."
The trip to Hainan was not smooth sailing. The first stop was "Tuncheng." To find the best shooting spot—open and free from light pollution—everyone drove to the Tuncheng Reservoir Dam. Driving on rugged mountain roads at night was no easy feat, and halfway through, they had to walk on foot to the shooting location due to road conditions. Just as all the shooting preparations were complete, it started to rain, forcing everyone to take shelter in the dark mountains. The second stop was the beautiful resort destination of Bo’ao, but after the "Tuncheng" event the day before, the return bus got stuck in the mountains until the early hours, leaving the group physically exhausted after an impromptu "camping" trip under the open sky. All these incidents inevitably bring to mind the bumpy journey in the movie "Lost on Journey" starring Xu Zheng and Wang Baoqiang.
But as the movie tells us, surprises in life are often unavoidable, yet the most precious memories, bonds, and touching moments often arise from these very "unexpected" events—and the journey of the "Starry Sky Date" is no different. After enduring various mishaps, the clouds parted, the rain stopped, and the sky became even clearer and brighter. The stars in the night sky shone like polished silverware, radiating vibrant life. By the shores of Bo’ao, a gentle sea breeze blew, and the starlit sea sparkled along with the low, rhythmic sound of waves washing ashore, sweeping away all fatigue. At that moment, everyone set up their phones toward the sky, capturing star trails and recording the emotions felt after overcoming hardship. They shared and encouraged one another, and every camera exposure brought thrilling results, like students achieving a breakthrough. They also danced freely, waving their arms without a care, running along the beach and using light painting to create the brightest scenes in the darkness, like devoted believers making a vow.
The "Starry Sky Date" is like a journey in life to chase dreams—full of surprises, thorns, tears, and heartfelt emotion. We may not be able to control the wind, but as long as we hold the sail and look toward the horizon, we will eventually reach the shores of our dreams. With every insight gained, we say: see you next time at the "Starry Sky Date"!