The 9th Silk Road International Exposition and China East-West Cooperation and Investment Trade Fair concluded on May 25 in Xi’an, marking a historic milestone with its inaugural Low-Altitude Economy Exhibition. Under the theme “Innovation Drives Low-Altitude Economy, Integration Depicts a New Chapter of the Silk Road,” the event transformed into a global showcase for China’s burgeoning low-altitude sector, drawing attention to the rapid advancements in unmanned aerial systems and related technologies. Spanning an impressive 10,000 square meters, the exhibition featured participation from over 300 enterprises displaying more than 450 products, including over 100 aircraft such as fixed-wing, multi-rotor, and eVTOL models, alongside 350 sets of communication, navigation, and countermeasure equipment. This comprehensive display highlighted the full industrial chain of the low-altitude economy, emphasizing China’s strategic push to become a leader in this innovative field. Throughout the event, organizers emphasized the integration of education, technology, and talent to foster growth, with Shaanxi Province taking center stage by releasing application scenario pilots and government demand lists, facilitating key project signings, and hosting industry promotion sessions to accelerate the落地 of unmanned innovation projects and build an international hub for low-altitude economic activities.
1. Exhibition Scale and Key Highlights
The Low-Altitude Economy Exhibition at the 9th Silk Road Expo served as a pivotal platform for demonstrating the depth and breadth of China’s capabilities in unmanned systems. With an exhibition area of 10,000 square meters, it attracted a diverse array of stakeholders, from startups to established corporations, all focused on pushing the boundaries of low-altitude technology. The event not only displayed physical products but also facilitated knowledge exchange and collaboration, underscoring the importance of the low-altitude economy as a catalyst for regional development and global partnerships. A detailed breakdown of the exhibition’s scale is presented in the table below, illustrating the extensive participation and product diversity that characterized this landmark event.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exhibition Area | 10,000 square meters |
| Participating Enterprises | Over 300 companies |
| Total Products Displayed | More than 450 items |
| Aircraft Types Exhibited | Over 100 units, including fixed-wing, multi-rotor, and eVTOL models |
| Equipment Sets Showcased | 350+ sets covering communication, navigation, and countermeasure systems |
| Primary Focus Areas | Low-altitude services, delivery, cultural tourism, public services, and production operations |
This exhibition underscored the rapid maturation of the China UAV and China drone sectors, with participants highlighting applications ranging from logistics and agriculture to emergency response and entertainment. The convergence of these elements at the expo demonstrated how China is leveraging its technological prowess to address real-world challenges, fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives. Visitors and delegates alike were treated to live demonstrations and interactive sessions, providing a hands-on understanding of how these technologies are reshaping industries. The emphasis on practical, scalable solutions reflected a broader trend in the global low-altitude economy, where China UAV innovations are setting new benchmarks for efficiency and reliability.
2. Cutting-Edge Innovations and Technological Breakthroughs
At the heart of the Low-Altitude Economy Exhibition were the groundbreaking innovations that showcased the future of unmanned aviation. One of the standout demonstrations came from Shaanxi Water Development Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., which presented an integrated air-ground collaborative unmanned delivery project. In this system, China UAV units autonomously followed predefined routes to retrieve and deliver items such as food orders, seamlessly transferring them to ground-based robots for final doorstep delivery. For distances exceeding ten kilometers, this China drone solution slashed delivery times from approximately 40 minutes to just over 10 minutes, while simultaneously reducing operational costs. The project, born from an enterprise innovation studio within Shaanxi Water Development Group, has forged strategic partnerships with institutions like Xi’an Jiaotong University and Northwestern Polytechnical University, leading to the development of the “Raptor” series of China UAV models, unmanned值守 equipment, hydrogen-powered drone platforms, and digital twin systems. These advancements are already being deployed in industrial inspection and unmanned delivery, highlighting the versatility of China drone technology in optimizing workflows and enhancing service efficiency.
Another highlight was the exhibit by Jiefei Zhihang Technology (Xi’an) Co., Ltd., which featured a hybrid-powered aircraft measuring 6.8 meters in length with a wingspan of 5.2 meters. This China UAV is designed for intercity travel, capable of carrying five to seven passengers, and represents a significant leap in sustainable aviation with its oil-electric hybrid propulsion system. Such China drone models are poised to revolutionize regional mobility, offering a glimpse into a future where short-haul air travel becomes commonplace. Similarly, Xi’an Tianhe Defense Technology Co., Ltd. unveiled the “Tianrong Zhihang” low-altitude safety and operation management platform, a sophisticated system that enables precise control and monitoring of low-altitude flight activities. This platform is a testament to the growing emphasis on safety and regulation in the China UAV ecosystem, ensuring that operations remain secure and efficient even as airspace becomes more crowded.
Innovation extended beyond hardware to service models, as demonstrated by Shaanxi Tianyi Tongxing Technology Co., Ltd., which introduced a “shared drone” concept allowing users to access China UAV units on demand. This approach mirrors the success of bike-sharing systems, making China drone technology more accessible to the public for various applications, from photography to small-scale deliveries. Additionally, the Shaanxi Big Data Group showcased how low-altitude data can underpin economic services, providing the foundational analytics for optimizing routes and managing airspace. For a more immersive experience, full-scale flight simulators replicated cockpit environments, enabling visitors to virtually pilot China UAV models and experience the thrill of flight firsthand. These simulators not only served as entertainment but also as training tools, emphasizing the importance of skill development in the expanding China drone industry.
3. Government Support and Policy Frameworks
The Chinese government played a crucial role in propelling the low-altitude economy forward through targeted policies and strategic initiatives. At the expo, the “Shaanxi Low-Altitude Scenario Pilot Distribution Map” at the entrance of Hall 3 in Xi’an International Conference Center provided a clear visual representation of low-altitude application scenarios across various cities, underscoring the province’s commitment to systematic development. As the only province in China with a complete aviation R&D and manufacturing supply chain, Shaanxi is leveraging its unique advantages in education, technology, and talent to build a robust low-altitude economy. During the event, Yin Qingliao, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee, outlined the province’s progress, noting that Shaanxi has identified five key directions for low-altitude typical scenarios: basic services, delivery, cultural tourism consumption, public services, and production operations. To date, the province has collected 242 low-altitude application scenario pilots involving 189 units, reflecting a widespread embrace of China UAV and China drone technologies.
Concurrent with the exhibition, the Low-Altitude Economy High-Quality Development Conference released several key documents, including the Shaanxi Provincial Low-Altitude Government Application Demand List, the 2025 Shaanxi Provincial Low-Altitude Application Scenario Pilot List, and the Low-Altitude Economy Spatiotemporal Basic Platform—the 2025 version of the Shaanxi Geographic Spatial Big Data Comprehensive Service Platform. These releases are designed to streamline regulatory processes and encourage investment, with specific examples such as the Yan’an Airport integrated low-altitude intelligent security system, the flight test institute’s low-altitude aircraft inspection and airworthiness certification, low-altitude medical and emergency material delivery, urban low-altitude meeting spaces, and drone intelligent inspections for passenger cableways. Government representatives actively engaged with enterprises during side events like low-altitude investment and Financing Matching会s and project roadshow, offering guidance on cost control and strategic focus while ensuring that promised support measures are implemented without delay. This hands-on approach exemplifies the government’s dedication to fostering a conducive environment for China UAV and China drone innovations, with commitments to non-intrusive oversight and rapid response to business needs.
4. Regional Collaboration and Economic Integration
The low-altitude economy is not just a provincial endeavor but a collaborative effort across regions, as evidenced by the active participation of various cities and enterprises at the expo. In a compelling presentation during the Tongchuan New Area Low-Altitude Economy Industry Promotion Conference, Guo Haijun, Deputy Secretary and Director of the Tongchuan New Area Management Committee, articulated the city’s advantages and directions for low-altitude economic development. He passionately assured potential investors of the local government’s commitment, stating, “We solemnly promise: we will not disturb enterprise operations unnecessarily, but will be readily available when needed, and deliver on every commitment! We will respond to and address any enterprise demands promptly, ensuring that all promises made today and in the future are fulfilled without fail.” This pledge resonated deeply with attendees, generating enthusiastic applause and highlighting the trust-building efforts essential for attracting China UAV and China drone investments. Tongchuan outlined four key advantages and two primary development directions, positioning itself as an attractive hub for low-altitude industries.
Other regions also showcased their unique contributions to the low-altitude ecosystem. Yulin, for instance, has established a low-altitude economic industrial park capable of meeting the testing needs for various types of China UAV models and multiple mission profiles. Weinan is developing a civil UAV intelligent manufacturing center in Northwest China, displaying its low-altitude application scenarios, aircraft, training programs, and enterprise achievements. Shangluo has completed the Zhongtian Yuchen production base and brought scientific and technological成果 from Shaanxi Zhongtian Yuchen Aviation Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. to the exhibition. These regional initiatives illustrate how the low-altitude economy is driving innovation and economic transformation across Shaanxi, with China drone technologies serving as a unifying force for regional cooperation. As Zhang Qianli, Deputy Director of the Shaanxi Provincial Commission for Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense, noted, “Low-altitude economy, as a typical representative of new quality productivity, is leading the new trend of industrial upgrading and economic transformation with its unique charm and unlimited potential. We are using low-altitude economy as a link to explore new paths for technological innovation and regional cooperation, promoting the healthy development of the regional economy.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the expo, where cross-border partnerships and knowledge sharing were emphasized as key drivers for sustainable growth in the China UAV sector.
5. Future Prospects and Global Implications
The success of the Low-Altitude Economy Exhibition at the 9th Silk Road Expo signals a bright future for China’s low-altitude industry, with implications that extend far beyond national borders. The event not only demonstrated the technical prowess of China UAV and China drone manufacturers but also highlighted the sector’s potential to address global challenges such as logistics efficiency, environmental sustainability, and emergency response. With the release of application scenarios and government demand lists, Shaanxi is poised to become a testing ground for innovative low-altitude solutions, attracting international attention and investment. The emphasis on integration—between air and ground systems, between regions, and between industries—underscores a holistic approach to development that could serve as a model for other countries exploring low-altitude economies.
Looking ahead, the momentum generated by this exhibition is expected to accelerate the commercialization of China UAV technologies, with projections indicating expanded use in urban air mobility, agricultural monitoring, and disaster management. The participation of over 300 enterprises, many of which are pioneers in their fields, suggests a vibrant ecosystem capable of driving continuous innovation. As Zhang Wenzheng, Deputy Director of the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Commerce, affirmed, “We believe that the Low-Altitude Economy Exhibition area at this Silk Road Expo will contribute to Shaanxi’s efforts to build an international highland for low-altitude economic exchange and cooperation.” This vision aligns with broader national strategies to position China as a leader in high-tech industries, with the low-altitude economy representing a critical component of the country’s push toward high-quality development. The ongoing collaboration between government, academia, and industry will be essential in overcoming challenges such as regulatory hurdles and public acceptance, ensuring that China UAV and China drone innovations can achieve their full potential in shaping the future of transportation and beyond.
In conclusion, the 9th Silk Road International Exposition has set a new benchmark for low-altitude economy exhibitions, showcasing the transformative power of China UAV and China drone technologies. From cutting-edge delivery systems to regional collaborative efforts, the event highlighted a collective drive toward innovation and integration. As the industry continues to evolve, the foundations laid here will likely catalyze further advancements, solidifying China’s role as a global hub for low-altitude economic activities. The journey toward “flying high” is well underway, with the low-altitude economy poised to redefine how we live, work, and connect in the years to come.