Chongqing, China, is captivating audiences and revitalizing its tourism sector with its increasingly popular drone light shows. These technologically advanced displays are transforming the city's nighttime landscape and significantly boosting its economy. The "Charming Chongqing" drone light show, which commenced on April 19, 2025, is a 15-minute spectacle held weekly on Saturdays and during holidays along the scenic Yangtze and Jialing rivers. The performances celebrate Chongqing's unique identity through intricate aerial formations.
A significant milestone was achieved on June 17, 2025, when the show set a Guinness World Record for the largest aerial image formed by drones, utilizing 11,787 drones in a synchronized dual-formation. This record-breaking event drew an estimated 100,000 spectators, including international diplomats, and featured themes such as "Mountain City" and "Vibrant City." The impact on Chongqing's tourism has been profound, with over 3.6 million attendees to live performances and online viewership surpassing one billion. Local businesses have reported a substantial increase in sales, with restaurants near the venues experiencing high occupancy rates and hotels seeing a significant rise in foreign tourist stays, including a remarkable 608% year-on-year increase in inbound foreign tourists staying overnight. The economic ripple effect is substantial, with total consumption generated by these events exceeding 350 million yuan.
These displays represent an innovative fusion of cutting-edge technology and cultural storytelling, offering an immersive experience that highlights Chongqing's rich heritage. The shows are lauded for their creative integration of technology with traditional cultural elements, such as Sichuan Opera facial makeup. The complex terrain of Chongqing, often referred to as the "8D magical city," presented unique challenges for the drone operations, requiring meticulous planning and execution to manage signal transmission and altitude transitions. The "Charming Chongqing" drone light shows continue to be a major attraction, with performances scheduled every Saturday night and during major holidays. The next scheduled performance is on August 16, 2025.