Xichong International Dark Sky Community was named one of Guangdong province’s top 10 standardization innovation cases for 2026 on Oct. 14, in recognition of its efforts to curb light pollution and protect nocturnal ecosystems.

Xichong became China’s first and Asia’s second international dark sky community in 2023. Since then, it has developed a model that integrates light pollution control, ecological conservation, tourism development and community participation.

The Shenzhen Municipal Meteorological Bureau and other agencies have worked with Dapeng authorities to develop local standards for dark sky communities. The standards set requirements for nighttime brightness, lighting intensity, color temperature, operating hours and beam direction, providing a framework for preserving dark skies and minimizing disturbances to wildlife.

According to project data, the initiative has improved nighttime sky conditions and increased both firefly populations and the number of days fireflies are active. An astronomical observation forecasting service has achieved an accuracy rate of 89%, helping visitors plan stargazing activities and promoting tourism beyond peak seasons.

The project has attracted nearly 100 organizations from China and abroad to study its conservation practices and operating model. Several areas in Guangdong and other provinces have since begun developing their own dark sky conservation initiatives.