[Photo provided to China Daily]

However, urban exploration is sometimes dangerous. Scaling skyscrapers and bridges, and tip-toeing through abandoned buildings for breathtaking images can sometimes be a dangerous affair.

Globally, injuries and even death are by no means news within the urbex community.

"In the beginning, I was pretty audacious and believed the riskier the places you go, the better photos you get," says Du. "But that is not necessarily the case."

"After doing my calculations, I learned to stop when I reach the limit," he says.

Contact the writer at zhangzefeng@chinadaily.com.cn