Stargazers across China were treated to one of nature’s most dazzling celestial displays on Sunday, December 14, 2025, as the annual Geminid meteor shower reached its spectacular peak. The astronomical phenomenon, renowned for its brightness and frequency, painted night skies with streaks of light from the northeastern province of Heilongjiang to various observation points nationwide.
In Yabuli town of Shangzhi city, Heilongjiang province, photographers captured stunning images of the meteor shower against a crisp winter backdrop. The clear atmospheric conditions in many regions provided optimal viewing opportunities for both amateur astronomers and professional observers alike.
The Geminids, unique among meteor showers for originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon rather than a comet, typically produce up to 120 meteors per hour during peak activity. This year’s display maintained its reputation as one of the most reliable and visually impressive meteor showers of the annual astronomical calendar.
Chinese astronomy enthusiasts and night sky photographers had been anticipating the event for weeks, with many traveling to dark-sky locations away from urban light pollution to witness the phenomenon in its full glory. Social media platforms across China filled with user-shared photographs and videos documenting the celestial spectacle.
The meteor shower’s visibility across much of China demonstrates the country’s growing public interest in astronomical events and the increasing accessibility of stargazing as a popular recreational activity. Local astronomy clubs and educational institutions had organized viewing events to capitalize on the scientific and educational opportunity presented by the natural light show.