China welcomed the start of 2026 with a large scale drone display above the Pearl River in the southern city of Guangzhou, as more than 1,000 drones lit up the night sky in a carefully coordinated performance.
The show took place on 30 December and formed part of New Year celebrations following the conclusion of the 15th National Games. Organisers used the drones to create images including the number 2026 and the official mascots associated with the Games, which were co hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in November and December 2025.
Local officials said the event was intended to reflect the positive atmosphere generated by the Games and to promote a shared sense of celebration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Drone Displays Across China
The Guangzhou event was one of several drone performances held across China during recent public holidays. Cities have increasingly used drones and smart technology to enhance large scale celebrations during National Day and the Mid Autumn Festival period.
In Shenzhen, smart robots were incorporated into festive events, performing traditional dances after dark. According to organisers, humanoid robots with flexible joints were programmed to carry out complex choreography inspired by classical Chinese performances.
Drone light shows were also staged in Zhongshan City in Guangdong Province, where spectators watched as more than 1,000 drones formed festive images in the sky. Similar displays took place in Huangmei County in Hubei Province, attracting residents and visitors during the holiday period.
Managing Thousands of Drones
Large scale drone shows require complex coordination to ensure each aircraft follows its assigned path. In Guangzhou, the drones operated in close proximity above the river, forming images while maintaining safe distances from one another.
A separate demonstration in Chongqing highlighted China’s ability to manage even larger drone formations. Thousands of drones were launched and controlled using a single automated system, according to state media.
The Chongqing display was operated by the Chinese technology company Damoda. The drones followed pre programmed routines and were launched close to the performance site. Previous editions of the show have set Guinness World Records for the scale of drone operations.
Entertainment Focus
Experts quoted in Chinese media have noted that these drone shows are designed primarily for entertainment and public celebration. While the underlying systems demonstrate advanced automation and coordination, the performances are not intended as demonstrations of military or commercial capability.
Organisers have continued to stage regular drone displays in several cities, with weekly performances in Chongqing becoming a popular attraction. For audiences welcoming in 2026, the Guangzhou drone show offered a highly visible example of how technology is increasingly shaping modern public events in China.
