Why this Chinese photographer continues rooftopping
Yan Lei has been taking photos of cities from the top of skyscrapers for seven years, and he’s undeterred by the fatal fall of a more daring rooftopper
Yan Lei stands near the edge of a skyscraper as his camera pans out to capture a southwestern Chinese city’s landscape – an activity he won’t stop despite the recent fatal fall of a more daring rooftopper.
The illicit journey above Chengdu saw him race up the building’s stairwell armed with a torch, finally reaching a ladder to take him to his stunning lookout.
In seven years, he has taken countless photos of Chinese cities like this one, often at night.
“At first it was easy, there weren’t many of us. But with digital SLR cameras being affordable now in China it has become more difficult. Everyone has the equipment,” he said.
“Now you have to know someone who can help you get in [to the buildings].”