China through its own eyes

"I'd like people to see the diversity of individuals," he says, adding that he believes that video limits what people can express.

"In reality, there are many different styles, genres, and a lot of content in the world," he says, adding that, in future rounds of the relay, he wants more people to capture their abilities, talents and experiences.

To date, the video he made about the photos has received more than 9 million views on Bilibili and has become the most popular on his account.

Before they sent the camera to the next person, the participants often added personal items — ranging from written notes with exciting details of their photography experience, to postcards and local souvenirs — to the camera bag, which Li received when the relay ended.

He was most moved by the participant from Jilin province, who pieced a series of photos together, one of his grandmother, another of the revolutionary war medals of his grandfather, who passed away two years ago, and scenes of a lake.

He wrote that both his grandparents had a deep emotional connection to Jilin, a former national industrial hub, and that they had both eagerly anticipated a time when their motherland would become more united and powerful.

To invite more people to see the photos, Li organized an exhibition at Beijing's 798 Art Zone.

"We had far more visitors than expected. They lined up for 20 to 30 meters outside," Li recalls.

Many left comments, which Li considers a great addition to the exhibition.

Back online, many Bilibili users have posted their own photographs, somehow extending the relay.

"It feels like an evolution from scattered records into a story co-written by everyone," Li says.

He is proud of the project, and feels he has created something with a positive meaning.

Moreover, he has brought together strangers from the four corners of the country and turned them into friends.

"We now have a WeChat group where they often chat, sharing their experiences and connecting with one another," Li says. "It is very touching, because it makes you realize that people can be very different, while still sharing the same traits, like honesty, enthusiasm and sincerity."

At the moment, he is preparing for the second round of the relay.

"Hopefully, I'll come up with more ways to do this; maybe use a higherend camera, and possibly not confine the relay to China," he says.