A Chinese photographer has made headlines with a remarkable achievement in mountaineering photography by capturing an ascent of Mount Qomolangma, commonly known as Mount Everest, in a single continuous aerial shot.

Ma Chunlin, born in 1995 and passionate about high-altitude photography, successfully filmed the ascent from the north slope of the mountain, eclipsing previous attempts that had been segmented.

This innovative project was filmed using a drone, which flew from a launch site at 6,500 meters above sea level to the 8,848.86-meter summit.

The video showcases climbers converging from both the south and north routes, culminating in a silhouette of a mountaineer against the dawn sky.

The footage has gained significant attention on social media platforms, including a repost by a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, who remarked on the feat.

Ma Chunlin has stated that his interest in the Himalayas began a decade ago.

He had previously created a short film documenting segments of the ascent but aspired to present the climb in a seamless, uninterrupted format.

To achieve this goal, he undertook meticulous preparations that included studying satellite imagery and weather data.

Ma faced various challenges in his pursuit, including adverse weather conditions and technical difficulties with the drone.

In a previous attempt in 2024, he encountered powerful winds that impeded his efforts when the drone stalled at an altitude of around 8,300 meters.

Learning from this setback, he emphasized the importance of human scale in the footage and worked closely with climbing teams to coordinate their movements.

The final successful flight occurred on May 19, with precise timing accounting for lighting conditions optimal for filming.

The drone was launched at 6:55:34 am, targeting a short window just before sunrise to capture the summit in the best light.

Despite a moment of signal loss during the ascent, the drone returned safely due to its built-in return-to-home function.

Ma expressed his emotional connection to the project, noting the silence experienced during the flight and the overwhelming sense of achievement upon reaching the summit visually.

He documented the journey on social media, highlighting the collaborative spirit and respect for nature that underpinned this endeavor.

Moving forward, Ma plans to explore further photographic opportunities in the Himalayas, including a future climb of Mount Qomolangma from the southern slope.

Through his work, he aims to inspire greater interest and appreciation for one of the world's most iconic mountain ranges.