A BLEND of sports and cutting-edge technology brought more than 50 young people from Shenzhen and Hong Kong to Yantian District on Oct. 17 for the “sea and sky” youth marine sports and drone technology carnival.

Co-organized by the Hong Kong Yantian Youth Association and the Yantian Overseas Chinese Returnees Association, the event opened with a dynamic drone and electric surfboard showcase. Five athletes rode electric surfboards across the blue waters while drones streamed real-time aerial footage.

Practical drone applications were also demonstrated. One drone flew 200 meters to deliver a first-aid kit to a designated spot, and an AI-powered robotic dog then carried the supplies to the host, finishing the demo with a playful dance.

Organizers said Yantian’s mix of mountainous terrain and open sea provides an ideal low-altitude flight environment and a strong marine industry base.

Peng Cheng, vice president of the Yantian Overseas Chinese Returnees Association, said, “Our drones can handle urgent deliveries and create new entertainment experiences, and electric surfboards let more people feel the thrill of the sea. These innovations are redefining how we interact with our coastal environment, and we look forward to more Greater Bay Area youth joining us.”

Officials described the carnival as a pilot model for integrating sports and technology in real coastal settings, aiming to boost youth engagement, foster cross-border exchange, and accelerate practical applications of marine and low-altitude technologies across the Greater Bay Area.

(Lian Jiaqi)