Yantian District is turning the air above the city into a new urban frontier. With a cluster of low‑altitude initiatives — from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) shows and manned eVTOL flights to drone logistics and helicopter experiences — Yantian is positioning itself as a real-world testbed for the emerging low‑altitude economy.

Local organizers are using hands‑on activities such as general-aviation hangar tours, aviation science popularization classes and helicopter model DIY workshops to spark children’s interest in aviation.

The district has even staged romantic “aerial weddings” and sightseeing flights, offering residents and visitors novel ways to celebrate and travel.

More ambitious services are taking shape beyond entertainment. Yantian has laid out seven major application scenarios for low‑altitude operations: cultural and tourism sightseeing, logistics and distribution, manned commuting, emergency rescue, integrated flight operations, Shenzhen–Hong Kong cross‑border services and urban governance. These uses range from last‑mile deliveries and emergency response to regulated intercity commuter routes.

Practical experiments are already visible on the ground — or rather, in the sky. Drones act as “airborne butlers,” delivering beverages between East OCT and nearby business districts, while a low‑altitude integrated flight command center monitors the airspace in real time to coordinate flights and ensure safety. Fleets of helicopters, eVTOLs and drones now crisscross Yantian’s skyline, creating the image of a true “city in the sky.”

As other districts still focus on terrestrial attractions, Yantian is seeking to make aerial services its signature offering. For visitors, that could mean hailing a helicopter like a taxi to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and the sea — a distinctive way to experience the Shenzhen coastline as low‑altitude aviation continues to mature.