Deep down into the big blue

Zhuang Ni, a Chinese instructor, teaches an introductory course of freediving in Ying Tung Natatorium in Beijing. [Photo by Xing Yi/China Daily]

Many freedivers attracted to the lifestyle have turned it into a career. Apart from those who become instructors, Li Da has become what is known as a mermaid. This refers to underwater models in specially designed mermaid fins, and Li is one of those in China most well known for that role. She founded Dada Li Freediving and Mermaid Academy in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in April.

"Depth is not what I dive for," Li says. "I prefer to enjoy the underwater moments that leave me with beautiful images."

Li, who used to work for a Norwegian shipping company in China, first learned freediving in 2012, and in subsequent years has used all her holidays to travel to islands to do freediving.

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