[Photo provided to China Daily]

One of Zhang's portrait photos taken at Colva beach in the Indian state of Goa using an iPhone 7 was picked by Apple, and the picture was later displayed at a special event last October. "It was a coincidence," says Zhang. "But the best part is I get regular offers to shoot photo projects for Apple."

According to Zhang, a slew of companies are offering sponsorships to urban explorers to promote their products. Smartphone companies like OPPO and Huawei send urban explorers their latest devices, while sportswear brand The North Face invites urban explorers to be models and even allows them to shoot its latest Urban Exploration collection commercials.

"Urbex represents a lifestyle that a number of young people value," says Zhang.

Sonia Luo, 24, has been an urban explorer since college. Her minimalist-style photography has garnered her more than 10,000 followers on social media as well as sponsorships and modeling opportunities.

"Urban exploration is also a great way to forge friendships and enrich life," says the Beijing-based Taiwan interior designer.