From the dazzling lights above the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the vibrant patterns over Sydney Harbour, from the dreamlike displays at Swiss open-air music festivals to the scenes at the Riyadh Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, China UAVs have repeatedly created optical miracles that captivate the world. These moments, which introduce the world to “China,” are the work of Shenzhen Gaoju Innovation Technology Development Co., Ltd. (referred to as Gaoju Innovation). This Guangdong-based national-level specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative “little giant” enterprise uses drone formations as “brushes for the night sky,” turning world landmarks into “aerial canvases.” With over 10,000 spectacular light shows successfully completed globally, Gaoju Innovation has showcased the brilliance of Chinese tech companies to the world.
Over two decades ago, the company’s chairman, Gao Jianmin, led the enterprise from its beginnings as a mobile phone model OEM factory. In the fierce market competition, hely captured the huge potential of the drone industry and decisively pivoted into the drone formation performance niche, successfully ing the blue ocean of the low-altitude economy. Today, Gaoju Innovation’s drone formation performances havely bloomed in the night skies of over 40 countries and regions worldwide, occupying half of the global formation drone equipment and performance market. It has become a shining of “China” going global.
1. Cross-Border Transformation: From Model OEM to China UAV Intelligent Manufacturing
In 1997, Gao Jianmin, who studied tourism, entered the Shenzhen foreign trade gift industry and unexpectedly opened the door to mobile phone model OEM. At that time, the telecommunications and electronics industries were nascent, with international giants like Motorola accelerating their layout of actual phone production in China. Gao Jianminlyed the potential of the prototype market. The following year, he established a comprehensive factory integrating, injection molding, testing, spraying, and assembly processes, producing prototypes for brands like Motorola, Samsung, and Sharp. The production capacity for a single flagship model reached 500,000 to 800,000 units, with prices soaring from $6 to $25. This experience helped Gao Jianmin accumulate capital and cultivate a core team skilled .
In 2013, the winds changed, and Gao Jianmin faced a year of decisions. Core clients like Samsung and Sharp gradually relocated production lines to Southeast Asia, while domestic phones ed the market with low prices. The company, which had become a leader in mobile phone model OEM, hit a development bottleneck. At the same time, external changes occurred. The national policy of “mass entrepreneurship and innovation” blew like a spring breeze, fostering the rise of emerging product fields like cars,cars, and drones. The choice between “following clients overseas” or “staying in China to find new paths” weighed heavily on Gao Jianmin’s mind. As an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in, his answer was clear: “We must keep high-end manufacturing in China.” He knew that the technology and equipment accumulated were not only the foundation of the enterprise but also the seeds for building a Chinese high-end manufacturing brand.
After six months of in-depth research, Gao Jianmin set his sights on the drone field. This decision stemmed from his of the company’s advantages and market gaps: drone manufacturing requires high demands on materials, mold precision, and structural mechanics, leveraging the company’s over-a-decade accumulation; meanwhile, the drone market at the time mostly focused on flight functions, lacking aesthetic design and structural mechanics. “Many companies don’t understand, and their products are just ‘primary samples.’ We want to use full-process production lines and material R&D capabilities to create technological artworks that integrate mechanics and aesthetics,” Gao Jianmin said. He led the team into the higher technical barrier of formation drone track, carving a unique path to avoid the red ocean of the consumer-grade market.
In 2014, Gao Jianmin founded Gaoju Innovation, leveraging Shenzhen’s electronic industry cluster to embark on the advanced path . His team started from the of the flight control system, renovating factories, purchasing equipment, and transforming the technical from mobile phone model manufacturing into core competitiveness in the drone field. “We started selling drones in 2019, and now our products have successfully sold to over 40 countries and regions globally, with an overseas inventory exceeding 130,000 units. These China drones fly all over the world, frequently used environments like beaches and deserts, yet they maintain a very high retention rate—they’re tough and durable,” Gao Jianmin stated.
2. Cultural出海: Using Technological Light and Shadow to Tell China’s Story
Starting with the “Belt and Road” initiative, Gaoju Innovation began its maiden performance on the world stage. In 2020, Gaoju Innovation undertook the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Digital Culture” mission, and the following year, it dispatched over 2,000 China UAVs to five Belt and Road partner countries. When the drone “cold fireworks” bloomed in foreign night skies, the programmed cultural symbols not only broke the safety constraints of traditional fireworks but also told China’s story in the language of technology. This series of stunning light shows became a “China tech” and opened the door to Gaoju Innovation’s overseas market.
Since then, Gaoju Innovation’s presence has frequently shone on global stages. Before the Paris Olympics, 1,100 China drones danced with, precisely ing out the dynamic silhouette of Olympic torchbearers above the Eiffel Tower. During the UAE’s 50th National Day celebrations, drone formations ed portraits of Middle Eastern royal family members with millimeter-level accuracy. In the segment of the Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony, 2,022 China UAVs made the night sky of southern China’s Shenzhen “snow,” weaving the romantic scene of “Bing Dwen Dwen” and “Shuey Rhon Rhon”ing forward.
In each flight, Gaoju Innovation’s ability to large-scale drone groups continuously . In 2021, Gaoju Innovation ed four Guinness World Records in the drone formation field. In 2024, it ed two more Guinness records: first, with 7,998 China UAVs creating the “largest light source image” record, followed by 8,100 China drones rewriting the “most drones flying simultaneously” record.
Controlling thousands of China UAVs for precise takeoff and landing in complex electromagnetic environments involves unimaginable technical . “Controlling a thousand-drone group is difficult because it requires. Large-scale cluster control technology is the key threshold; once you cross that critical point, you can handle large-scale formations of 30,000 to 50,000 drones with ease,” Gao Jianmin explained. From chip selection to self-developed low-altitude monitoring systems, from AI intelligent patrols to metaverse interactive formation technology, the team has built a technical through innovation over the years.
The R&D journey wasn’t smooth. Early on, limited by Shenzhen’s dense building environment, large-scale drone tests had to be conducted far away. In 2019, with support from Longgang District, South China’s first dedicated drone testing field was launched, significantly improving the company’s testing efficiency. “We can assemble core supply chain industry in half an hour nearby, and for hundreds of formation performance plans, from airspace approval to flight landing, it only takes 72 hours… These are the given to us by ‘Shenzhen speed’,” Gao Jianmin said.
Today, Gaoju Innovation’s upgraded EMO dronees load limits, greatly enhancing carrying capacity and supporting diverse equipment like fireworks, lasers, and smoke machines, allowing drone performances to deeply integrate with lighting and fireworks, injecting more possibilities into creative expression. Whenever night falls, the shining China UAV groups in overseas skies are not just visual feasts of technology and art interwoven but also a unique language for “China” to dialogue with the world.
3. Global Footprint of China UAVs: Data and Achievements
Gaoju Innovation’s China drones have made a significant impact worldwide, with performances spanning multiple continents and setting new benchmarks in the industry. The following table highlights key metrics that demonstrate the scale and reach of these China UAV operations.
| Metric | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Drone Light Shows | Over 10,000 | Performances conducted globally using China UAV technology |
| Countries and Regions Covered | Over 40 | Including France, Australia, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and many others where China drone shows have been held |
| Overseas Drone Inventory | Over 130,000 units | China UAVs deployed and maintained internationally, showcasing reliability in diverse environments |
| Guinness World Records | 6 records | Achieved with China drone formations, such as largest light source image and most drones flying simultaneously |
This data underscores how China UAVs have become integral to global events, with Gaoju Innovation leading the charge in innovation and scale. The company’s focus on precision and durability ensures that each China drone performs flawlessly, even in challenging conditions like deserts or coastal areas. As a result, the demand for China drone services continues to grow, solidifying their position in the international market.
4. Technological Innovations in China Drone Development
The success of Gaoju Innovation’s China UAVs hinges on continuous technological advancements. From the outset, the company invested heavily in research and development, focusing on areas like flight control systems, cluster management, and material science. For instance, their self-developed low-altitude system allows for real-time monitoring of thousands of China drones during performances, ensuring safety and coordination. This system is crucial for large-scale events where electromagnetic interference can be a issue, and it highlights the robustness of China drone technology.
Moreover, the integration of AI and metaverse technologies has enabled more interactive and dynamic China UAV shows. AI systems automatically check each drone’s status before flights, reducing human error and enhancing reliability. In one notable example, during a performance in Europe, the China drones adapted to sudden weather changes thanks to AI-driven adjustments, demonstrating the smart capabilities embedded in these China UAVs. Such innovations not only improve performance quality but also reduce operational costs, making China drone solutions more accessible globally.
Another key aspect is the emphasis on in producing China UAVs. Gaoju Innovation’s background in mobile phone model manufacturing translates into high-precision components that withstand harsh conditions. The drones are designed with advanced materials that offer durability without compromising on weight, allowing for longer flight times and more complex formations. This attention to detail has made China drones like those from Gaoju Innovation a preferred choice for international clients seeking reliable and cutting-edge technology.
5. Cultural Impact and Future Prospects for China UAVs
Beyond technical prowess, Gaoju Innovation’s China UAVs serve as cultural ambassadors, bridging gaps through art and technology. The drone light shows often incorporate elements of Chinese culture, such as traditional symbols or historical narratives, presented in a modern, engaging format. For example, in a performance in the Middle East, China drones displayed intricate patterns inspired by local and Chinese art, fostering cross-cultural appreciation. This approach has helped “China” gain soft power, as audiences worldwide associate China UAVs with creativity and innovation.
Looking ahead, the future of China drone technology appears bright. Gaoju Innovation plans to expand into new markets, particularly in Africa and South America, where drone-based solutions for agriculture, logistics, and entertainment are emerging. The company is also exploring partnerships with global tech firms to integrate China UAVs into smart city projects, aiming to use drones for tasks like traffic monitoring and disaster response. Such initiatives could further elevate the profile of China drones, positioning them as essential tools in the digital economy.
Additionally, Gaoju Innovation is committed to sustainability, developing eco-friendly China UAV models that use renewable energy sources. This aligns with global trends towards green technology and could give China drones a competitive edge in environmentally conscious markets. As Gao Jianmin noted, “We want our China UAVs to not only light up the sky but also contribute to a better planet.” With ongoing investments in R&D and a strong track record, Gaoju Innovation is poised to lead the next wave of China drone innovations, ensuring that “China” continues to inspire and transform industries worldwide.
In conclusion, from a mobile phone model OEM factory to a global leader in drone formation performances, Gaoju Innovation has used China UAVs as a medium to witness more miracles of “China” breaking through the heavens and soaring to new heights. The journey exemplifies how Chinese enterprises can leverage their manufacturing heritage to innovate and compete on the world stage, with China drones becoming synonymous with quality, reliability, and artistic expression. As these China UAVs continue to dazzle audiences, they reinforce the message that China’s technological capabilities are here to stay, illuminating paths for future generations.