Editor’s note:

Shenzhen is composed of nine administrative districts, one new area, and the Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone in Shanwei. While all 11 areas share Shenzhen’s defining spirit of innovation, each has its own unique characteristics. This page explores the low-altitude economy of Dapeng New Area, a southeastern peninsula known for its harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and economic potential.

SHENZHEN is one of six cities selected to pilot electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft programs, according to a recent announcement at a forum in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province. In response, Dapeng New Area is accelerating efforts to develop its low-altitude economy.

In September, Dapeng released guidelines for the high-quality development of low-altitude aviation, set to be implemented from 2024 to 2026. The guidelines focus on three key areas — overall objectives, key tasks, and supporting measures. Dapeng aims to become a leading hub for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) innovation and establish a comprehensive testing base for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The plan outlines the construction of a UAV testing base and over 100 take-off and landing points across Dapeng. It also seeks to develop diverse low-altitude economic industrial clusters, with a projected industry scale exceeding 2 billion yuan (US$280 million) by 2026. Goals include attracting more than 40 enterprises to establish operations in Dapeng, creating at least two national and provincial-level technology platforms, and launching at least 50 low-altitude air routes for logistics, tourism, and urban governance.

The initiative focuses on expanding practical low-altitude applications. This includes enhancing UAV logistics services and opening new air routes for urban air transportation connecting Shenzhen's key locations. Previously, Dapeng has been exploring low-altitude applications in various fields.

Drone delivery services

In March, a drone soared above Xichong Beach, successfully delivering fresh sea urchin to a designated spot — a milestone for drone delivery services in Dongchong and Xichong.

“With drone delivery, we can transport products to Longgang District in just half an hour,” said Lin Shouying, a sea product businessman in Nan’ao. Lin expects the service to significantly boost his sea urchin business by improving efficiency and reaching more customers.

The service officially launched at the end of April and is the first of its kind in Nan’ao Subdistrict. Phoenix Wings, a subsidiary of SF Express specializing in logistics drones, operates the drones. Visitors can scan QR codes along designated hiking routes to purchase products, which staff then prepare and load onto drones for delivery.

A 7.5-kilometer hiking trail through rugged, mountainous terrain between Dongchong and Xichong is expected to benefit most from this innovative service, offering visitors a unique shopping experience and promoting local businesses.

Aerial tours

Tourists in Dapeng New Area now have the opportunity to experience helicopter-based air taxi services thanks to a partnership between Heli-Eastern and the Yun Resort Shenzhen Longcheer. The resort will serve as a terminal for the new helicopter route.

The strategic cooperation agreement, which was announced during a signing ceremony at the resort in October, is part of Dapeng’s plan to develop its low-altitude economy.

According to Cai Wuqun, general manager of the strategic planning department of Heli-Eastern, the 40-kilometer helicopter ride between Yantian District and the hotel only takes 10 minutes.

Cai further explained that it will take 34 minutes to travel from the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to the hotel and 25 minutes from the Shenzhen North Station. The service will also connect the resort with the Futian and Nanshan CBDs, as well as provide transportation to Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Dongguan, and Huizhou.

In September, helicopter routes between Luohu and Nan’ao, as well as Yantian and Nan’ao, were launched.

Visitors can reserve a spot via the “空中的士出行” mini program and the “大鹏通行” WeChat account.

Helicopter rescue

On Sept. 22, a helicopter was dispatched to rescue a tourist who fell off a cliff in the Beizaijiao area of Dapeng New Area. Challenging conditions, including numerous reefs, high waves, steep cliffs, and heavy winds, made access by boat extremely challenging, prompting the Shenzhen Emergency Medical Center and Dapeng’s emergency management bureau to opt for rescue by helicopter.

Just 40 minutes after the emergency was reported, Eastern Airlines and Shenzhen University General Hospital were ready to carry out the operation, and the tourist was successfully saved. This was Shenzhen’s sixth helicopter cliff rescue.

Helicopter-based emergency rescue is also a key component of Shenzhen’s low-altitude economy. As a pilot city for this sector, Shenzhen is developing a comprehensive industry chain that includes manufacturing, flight operations, and support services, further enhancing its capacity for emergency response and innovation. (Chen Siqi)