Low-altitude economy shows potential to take off at Wuzhen summit

The development achievements, trends and potential of the low-altitude economy were on full display for the first time at the Light of Internet Expo during the 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit in east China's in the water-town of Wuzhen.

More than 20 domestic and foreign enterprises brought hundreds of aircraft and flight models designed for the low-altitude airspace to the exhibition.

At the main entrance of the expo, a surreal-looking manned flying UFO attracted visitors' attention.

"I was drawn by it the moment I stepped over. It really struck us as incredible," said a visitor.

The aircraft can fly as far as 15 kilometers in the air in a single trip without any manual operation.

"In Zhejiang, there are beautiful places such as Wuzhen and Qiandao Lake, which are among the destinations we will fly to in the future. It is a good combination of new quality productive forces, high technology, culture and sports," said Zhang Jiafu, exhibitor of the aircraft.

An unmanned helicopter developed by the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering under the Chinese Academy of Sciences was among the aircraft on display. Featuring strong wind and corrosion resistance, it is specially used for transportation of seafood and routine inspection across the sea.

Another highlight at the exhibition was a manned helicopter from Shanghai, which has expanded its cooperation in transporting materials to islands in Southeast Asia, Indonesia and other places, and is now laying out connections and transportation between urban hubs.

"It flew more than 50 kilometers, equivalent about six yuan a kilometer for a person. We aim to put it into operation in two to three years," said Hu Zipeng, exhibitor of the helicopter.

In addition, a somatosensory flight simulator cockpit with a joystick, flight height disc and other supporting facilities also attracted many visitors to experience.

"It felt like real flying. It's very cool. It was fun. I think at least for us, there are a lot of opportunities here that we can explore," said Thomas, a visitor.

More than 10 product debuts, seminars and other activities in the field of low-altitude economy were also held during the three-day expo from Wednesday to Friday.

Low-altitude economy shows potential to take off at Wuzhen summit

China's top political advisor Wang Huning has stressed the importance of building a broad united front to rally support from all groups in deepening reform and promoting Chinese modernization.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks during an inspection tour in the southern island province of Hainan from Wednesday to Friday.

Wang went to Haikou, Qionghai and Sanya, where he conducted in-depth research on comprehensive passenger transport hubs, universities and middle schools, enterprises invested by compatriots from Taiwan, village of Li ethnic minority, scientific research institutions, historical and cultural districts and religious sites.

He also learned about the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, saying this is a strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee and a major task for Hainan to comprehensively deepen reform and opening-up.

When visiting enterprises invested by compatriots from Taiwan, Wang said it's important to create conditions and build platforms to deepen integrated development across the Taiwan Straits and promote economic and cultural exchanges across the Straits.

Wang urged measures to better meet the demands of compatriots from Taiwan regarding study, employment, and business operations in Hainan, thus promoting integrated development across the Taiwan Strait.

As of the end of 2023, Hainan had approved the establishment of more than 2,500 enterprises invested by Taiwan compatriots. In November 2023, the province announced a series of measures to encourage Taiwan compatriots to make investments or start businesses in the Hainan Free Trade Port.

China's top political advisor stresses united front in Chinese modernization