China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is experiencing a boom in its low-altitude economy as companies continue to expand the range of applications for drones.
One very popular use of drones in recent years is drone-performed light shows.
At a drone show company in Shenzhen City, south China’s Guangdong Province, formation designers are working hard to prepare for the upcoming Spring Festival season.
Designer Qin Haiqun said that during the recent New Year holiday period, the company simultaneously staged dozens of drone shows featuring tens of thousands of flights both domestically and internationally.
“After completing New Year’s Eve shows in multiple locations at home and abroad, our schedule ahead is also very tight. We expect the number of drones deployed in a single performance to continue increasing, as many clients are now asking for shows featuring 5,000, 8,000 or more than 10,000 of drones,” said Qin.
Xue Haoran is a drone flight path planner who leads a team of over ten members. As the industry continues to thrive, the team has traveled tirelessly across the country to survey sites and undertake various flight path planning projects.
“Initially, we were responsible for the entire Shenzhen area, but recently we’ve been taking on projects outside that scope. This year, we’ve taken on projects in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Zhongshan, cities in Hainan Province, as well as cities near Zhuhai,” said Xue.
Starting from planning flight routes of just over ten kilometers, Xue’s team is now planing hundred-kilometer level routes while developing application plans for special scenarios such as cross-city and cross-sea operations.
“Initially, the drones were used primarily for standard courier services, essentially logistics using aircraft instead of cars. Now drones are transporting items like seafood and fruits with short shelf lives, significantly improving delivery times. They are also being used to transport confidential documents and urgently needed medical supplies for hospitals,” said Xue.
To meet the growing demand for drones driven by increased use, manufacturers in the region have upgraded their production methods.
In Guangzhou, the world’s first mass production facility for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with an annual production capacity of more than 10,000 is now entering a critical trial production phase.
“We aim to produce ten thousand aircraft annually, which means delivering one every half hour. Such a high production efficiency makes it a must for us to build automated production lines similar to that of the automotive industry,” said engineer Yang Qi.
Expanded drone utilization boosts low-altitude economy in China’s Greater Bay Area
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government’s efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho’s development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho’s specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho’s national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China’s valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China’s zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho’s development. He also expressed Lesotho’s willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
