Western China Low-Altitude Economy Expo Debuts in Liangping, Charting New Blueprint

Chongqing –  The inaugural Western China Low-Altitude Economy Expo opened in Liangping District, Chongqing, on July 11, running through July 13. Co-hosted by Xinhua Net under the theme "Embracing the New Era of Aerospace, Pioneering the Future Together," the event aims to establish a high-level platform for industry collaboration and drive high-quality regional economic growth. 

Over 200 government agencies, industry associations, universities, and enterprises participated in exhibitions, forums, aircraft displays, and drone light shows, showcasing innovations and applications in low-altitude economy.

Liangping Emerges as Low-Altitude Hub with Policy Support

Zhou Enhai, Party Secretary of Liangping, highlighted the district’s strategic advantages: a 2,400-meter civil-military integrated airport, access to over 6,000 km² of airspace, and more than 300 annual flight days. To foster an industrial ecosystem, Liangping introduced "10 preferential policies" and a RMB 1 billion industrial fund, attracting 40+ companies in sectors like short-haul transport, agricultural drones, and logistics.

Academician Liu Daxiang of the Chinese Academy of Engineering praised Liangping’s "ecological approach" to capturing opportunities in the trillion-yuan low-altitude market. Experts, including Chen Zhonggui (Chief Designer of BeiDou-3 satellites), emphasized low-altitude economy’s role in modernizing urban-rural governance and boosting industrial innovation.

Tech Showcase: Cutting-Edge Exhibits Draw Spotlight

Liangping Airport was transformed into a tech exhibition, featuring six themed zones with more than 80 aircraft. The flagship CH-series drones (CH-9, CH-4, CH-YH1000) made their debut in western China, demonstrating capabilities in aerial surveying, forest fire prevention, and emergency mapping. Companies such as EHang, United Aircraft Group, and Zero Gravity showcased electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and smart drones for logistics, tourism, and firefighting. Interactive exhibits, including flight simulators and VR experiences, engaged visitors.

Key Agreements Signed to Boost Industry Growth

The expo yielded significant outcomes. Xinhua Net’s Western Low-Altitude Economy Research Institute was launched in Liangping. The top ten most innovative cities and enterprises in the low-altitude economy were recognized, and thirteen companies signed agreements with Liangping for projects related to unmanned transport and low-altitude tourism.

Xinhua Net Chairman Chu Xuejun stressed the expo’s role in uniting industry, academia, and government to standardize the sector. Liangping District Governor Chen Mengwen pledged deeper military-industry-academia collaboration to build a full industrial chain.

Public Engagement: Drone Spectacle and Night Festival

On July 11, 1,500 drones lit up Liangping’s sky with 3D displays of "Western Low-Altitude City · Chongqing Liangping" and application scenarios. The "Western Low-Altitude Night" festival, combining drone themes with food and music, will run through August 30 at the district’s prepared-food night market.

A Milestone for Regional Development

Structured around an opening ceremony, industry summit, and diverse side events, the expo marks a milestone in western China’s low-altitude economy. Liangping positions itself as an open hub for this emerging sector, injecting new momentum into regional growth.