The vast skies of Xinjiang, China, are buzzing with activity as the low-altitude economy takes flight, propelled by the rapid expansion of drone technology. From the serene lakes of Bosten to the sprawling agricultural fields of Manas, unmanned aerial vehicles are reshaping industries, enhancing tourism, and forging new economic pathways. As a journalist witnessing this transformation, it is clear that China drone sector is not merely growing; it is revolutionizing how we perceive mobility, logistics, and recreation. This surge is part of a broader national trend, with China drone industry poised for significant market expansion. According to industry data, China currently hosts over 84,000 enterprises related to the low-altitude economy, with approximately 12,000 new companies established in 2025 alone. This growth underscores the strategic importance of unmanned systems in China’s economic planning, particularly in regions like Xinjiang, where vast territories and favorable climate conditions provide an ideal testing ground for innovation.
Xinjiang’s unique geographical and climatic advantages make it a hub for drone activities. With open spaces and an average of 300 flight-worthy days per year, the region offers ample opportunities for drone operations. This environment has catalyzed the development of diverse applications, from tourism and agriculture to emergency services. During a recent visit to the 2025 China-Eurasia Commodity Expo, I observed firsthand how companies are leveraging this potential. For instance, a leading technology firm demonstrated a integrated low-altitude economic solution, remotely operating drones from locations like Manas and Hainan. This system seamlessly connects drone video streams with monitoring networks, creating an “air-ground-space” integrated command structure that enhances efficiency and reduces costs. Such innovations highlight how China’drone capabilities are evolving beyond basic functions to form sophisticated, data-driven ecosystems.
In the tourism sector, drones and other low-altitude aircraft are transforming visitor experiences. “Taking a helicopter ride over the lake made the trip unforgettable,” shared Wang Bin, a tourist from Sichuan who enjoyed an aerial tour of Bosten Lake’s scenic areas. This sentiment echoes across Xinjiang’s popular destinations, where low-altitude tourism has become a peak-season attraction. The region boasts 18 national 5A-level tourist attractions, with 16 dedicated low-altitude flight routes operational in areas like Nalati Grassland, Jiangbulake, and Sayram Lake. In 2024, these services carried over 22,000 passengers, offering rides in helicopters, powered gliders, and hot air balloons. Airlines such as Xinjiang Tianyuan General Aviation have capitalized on this demand, launching circular flight routes in Altay and pioneering interconnected transport lines in southern Xinjiang. Future plans include new routes linking cities like Yecheng-Aksu and Korla, as well as cross-border charter services to Central Asia using advanced aircraft. This expansion not only boosts tourism but also positions China drone and low-altitude aviation sector as a key player in regional connectivity.
Beyond tourism, China drone industry is making strides in agriculture and industrial applications. In Manas County, drones are deployed for crop monitoring and management, transmitting real-time data to command centers hundreds of kilometers away. This capability is crucial in a region where large farmlands benefit from precision agriculture. During my visit to an expo, I watched as operators controlled drones over distant fields, with live feeds and analytics displayed on large screens. This integration of drone technology with big data is a testament to how China drone systems are enhancing productivity. Moreover, companies are investing in local computing power infrastructure, such as in Hami’s Yiwu County, where low-cost energy supports data processing not only for local use but also for export to major urban clusters like Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta. This dual approach—serving local needs while contributing to national tech demands—showcases the strategic depth of China drone economy.
The manufacturing backbone of China drone industry is equally impressive. In Xinjiang, companies like Xinjiang Tianyu Hangdao Technology Co. are scaling up production to meet rising orders. At their large-scale drone manufacturing base, workers assemble Hongyan (HY100) large unmanned aircraft, with a second production line underway to handle increased demand. The region’s extensive land area and large agricultural plots create a ready market for these drones, which are used in tasks from surveying to logistics. Shihezi City, with its unique “one base, three airports” layout—including Shihezi Garden Airport, Tuoling Mengpo Airport, and Shandanhu Airport—serves as a rare low-altitude economic hub. The city hosts 86 general aircraft, 4 helicopters, and nearly 800 agricultural drones, supported by maintenance and training facilities certified by civil aviation authorities. The “military-civilian integration” aviation equipment manufacturing park in Shihezi has attracted enterprises like Tianyu Hangdao and Bingguo Technology, leading to the mass production of Hongyan large drones. In December 2024, the first batch of three such drones rolled off the production line, marking a milestone in local manufacturing. This progress is part of a larger trend, with China drone production bases expanding rapidly. For example, a 400-acre base launched in September 2023 began operations in October 2024, signaling robust growth in the sector.
China drone industry is also diversifying its service offerings. Companies like Xinjiang Tianyuan Hangdao are developing a “general aviation plus” model, focusing on short-distance transport, emergency rescue, tourism, low-altitude sightseeing, and business charters. Supplementary services such as skydiving and aviation research further enrich this portfolio. “We have established emergency rescue capabilities across Xinjiang, addressing inefficiencies in traditional land transport in the region’s vast terrain,” noted Huang Fan, deputy general manager of Xinjiang Tianyuan General Aviation. This emphasis on emergency services underscores the societal benefits of China drone advancements, providing critical support in remote areas. Looking ahead, the industry aims to accelerate low-altitude tourism and short-distance transport markets, leveraging pilot projects to示范 innovation.
Talent development is another cornerstone of China drone economy. In Alaer City, the first civilian unmanned aircraft pilot license training center, operated by Aksu Minghui Aviation Technology Co., is nurturing the next generation of drone operators. Trainees like Huang Chunyue, a student from Tarim Vocational and Technical College, are mastering basics like flight control theory, meteorology, and route planning. “After obtaining my certificate, I plan to pursue an instructor license for better job prospects,” Huang shared. The center partners with local vocational schools to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. As drones find applications in fields like agricultural plant protection, policing, forest fire prevention, and power inspections, the demand for certified operators is surging. Higher education institutions, including Shihezi University, are responding by offering degrees in unmanned aircraft systems engineering, collaborating with technical schools to create a seamless “undergraduate-to-vocational” training system. This focus on education ensures that China drone industry has the human capital to sustain its growth.
The expansion of China drone sector is intertwined with national strategic priorities. The low-altitude economy is recognized as a key growth area, with projections indicating substantial market scale increases in the coming years. In Xinjiang, this is evident in the synergy between government policies and private enterprise. For instance, Shihezi City has established incentives to encourage aviation industry development, precisely targeting general aviation sectors. The city’s aviation academy and training schools collectively log over 45,000 flight training hours annually, cementing its status as a crucial talent base in northwestern China. Such initiatives are vital for converting regional resources into economic advantages, a model that other parts of China are likely to emulate.
In my reporting, I have seen how China drone industry is not just about technology but about real-world impact. From farmers using drones for crop dusting to tourists capturing aerial views, the applications are as diverse as they are transformative. The integration of drones into daily operations reduces costs, improves safety, and opens new revenue streams. For example, in emergency response, drones can reach isolated areas faster than ground vehicles, saving lives in critical situations. Similarly, in logistics, they offer a solution to the challenges of long distances and difficult terrain, a common issue in Xinjiang. As one industry expert put it, “The future lies in harnessing regional characteristics to build emerging service markets.” This vision is already taking shape, with China drone companies exploring cross-border opportunities and international collaborations.
However, the growth of China drone economy is not without challenges. Regulatory frameworks, airspace management, and public acceptance require continuous attention. Yet, the progress so far is promising. During a demonstration at the expo, I saw how remote drone operations are becoming routine, with systems enabling seamless data fusion across departments. This level of coordination is essential for scaling up operations and ensuring safety. Moreover, the emphasis on local manufacturing and talent cultivation reduces dependency on imports and fosters self-reliance—a key aspect of China broader tech strategy.
As I conclude this report, it is clear that China drone industry is at a tipping point. The combination of favorable policies, technological innovation, and strategic regional development is creating a virtuous cycle of growth. In Xinjiang, the low-altitude economy is not just an abstract concept; it is a lived reality, with drones buzzing over fields, lakes, and cities. The enthusiasm among entrepreneurs, engineers, and trainees is palpable, driven by the belief that drones will redefine connectivity and efficiency. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, training, and R&D, China drone sector is set to soar even higher, contributing to national economic resilience and global technological leadership.
In summary, the rise of China drone economy represents a paradigm shift in how we approach transportation, agriculture, tourism, and emergency services. The stories from Xinjiang are microcosms of a larger national movement, where drones are becoming indispensable tools for progress. As a journalist, I am struck by the speed and scale of this transformation. From the production lines of Shihezi to the training centers of Alaer, the pieces are falling into place for a drone-powered future. And with each new application and innovation, China drone industry solidifies its role as a driver of economic and social advancement. The journey has just begun, and the skies have never looked more promising for China drone pioneers.