Shenzhen International Low-Altitude Economy and General Aviation Industry Exhibition (CHTF)

The 27th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) in 2025 was successfully held from November 14 to 16 at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center. As one of its core sectors, the low-altitude economy was highlighted through the concurrent organization of the 9th World Unmanned Aircraft Systems Conference and International Low-Altitude Economy & Unmanned Systems Expo, along with the 10th Shenzhen International Unmanned Aircraft Exhibition.This edition of the fair was co-hosted by six national-level organizations, including the China Mechanical & Electrical Equipment Engineering Association, the China Civil Airports Association, and the China Electronics Information Industry Federation, and jointly undertaken by five entities such as the Shenzhen UAV Industry Association, under the theme “Entering a New Era of the Low-Altitude Economy.”

In terms of scale, the exhibition covered an area of 66,000 square meters, reaching a record high, bringing together 825 low-altitude enterprises from around the globe and showcasing over 5,000 new drone system products.The event attracted more than 10,000 industry experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs from over 100 countries and regions worldwide. During the fair, more than 110 summits, forums, and technical exchange sessions were held, focusing on cutting-edge fields such as the eVTOL ecosystem, low-altitude digital transportation, hydrogen-powered technologies, and AI-driven robotics. Over 550 domestic and international academicians, experts, and business leaders participated in discussions, decoding trends in drone technology and the development of the low-altitude economy.

This year’s fair featured numerous highlights, with international participation and innovative achievements serving as central attractions.Exhibiting companies included industry leaders such as EHang, SF Fengyi, and DJI, alongside innovative firms like Tuohang Technology and Yifei Intelligent Control. Exhibits ranged from large drones capable of 10-hour endurance, 1,200 km range, and 30 kg payload, to lightweight hydrogen fuel cell systems that can maintain stable flight for 100 minutes at temperatures as low as -40°C, collectively demonstrating groundbreaking advances in Chinese drone technology. The fair also drew purchasing delegations from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, and other nations, resulting in on-site contract signings totaling approximately RMB 20 billion. Furthermore, five international standards—including the “Electromagnetic Compatibility Requirements for Civilian Unmanned Aircraft Systems,” spearheaded by Chinese enterprises—were approved at ISO meetings, marking a significant enhancement of China’s influence in shaping global rules for the low-altitude economy.

Complementary events added richness to the program, establishing a high-end platform for industry dialogue and intellectual exchange.During the fair, the “Unmanned Systems Industry Supply Chain Development Forum” was organized by institutions such as the National Institute for Economic Security at Beijing Jiaotong University, exploring the construction of self-reliant and controllable supply chains across materials, components, and complete aircraft manufacturing stages. This initiative facilitated technological collaborations between companies like CATL and Zhongfu Shenying and application-oriented enterprises such as SF Express and Meituan. Meanwhile, the China Mechanical & Electrical Equipment Engineering Association played an active role in industrial chain coordination and standard-setting, providing robust support for the safe and efficient development of the low-altitude economy.

The professional audience was exceptionally strong, with international representation reaching unprecedented levels.Yani Xilubini, Vice President of the World Unmanned Aircraft Federation, remarked, “When it comes to urban drone applications, China is undoubtedly world-leading.” Denis Vonmek, President of the Russian Security Association, noted that this fair truly ranks first globally, having attended 120–150 exhibitions in over 70 countries. He praised the fair’s impressive scale, high quality, and excellent organization. Exhibitors generally reported that the fair attracted highly qualified professionals with clear purchasing intentions, leading to significant commercial matchmaking outcomes.

The fair yielded substantial results and received enthusiastic industry acclaim.This edition marked the transition of the low-altitude economy from “concept exploration” to “large-scale application.” As the “Drone Capital,” Shenzhen has already opened 250 low-altitude flight routes, completed 778,000 commercial cargo flights, and reduced logistics costs by 40% compared to traditional methods. Attendees emphasized that CHTF serves not only as a premier platform for brand exposure and business matching but also as a critical hub for understanding global trends in the low-altitude economy and exploring avenues for technological innovation and international cooperation. With breakthroughs in solid-state batteries, 5G-A networks, and the implementation of dynamic airspace classification policies, China’s low-altitude economy is poised to accelerate its penetration into urban air mobility (UAM), low-altitude tourism, smart agriculture, and other emerging domains. By 2035, China is projected to develop a market worth RMB 3.5 trillion, becoming a global epicenter of innovation in the low-altitude economy.

The 28th China Hi-Tech Fair, featuring the Low-Altitude Economy and General Aviation Industry Exhibition, is scheduled to take place from November 26 to 28, 2026, at the Shenzhen International Convention & Exhibition Center (Bao’an New Hall).The exhibition is expected to cover over 20,000 square meters, host more than 400 exhibiting companies, and attract over 25,000 professional visitors. The fair will continue to provide an efficient platform for global exchanges and collaborations within the low-altitude economy sector.