On May 25, the World Drone Congress 2024 opened in Shenzhen, showcasing over 4,000 new unmanned systems from nearly 500 domestic and international companies. As the number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) increases rapidly, the development of the low-altitude economy is drawing significant attention.

Shenzhen has recently inaugurated its first drone delivery route within the city's central park. Additionally, commuting via "air taxis" is being piloted and developed in Shenzhen. In February, a five-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft flew from Shenzhen to Zhuhai in approximately 20 minutes. This marked the first demonstration flight of a cross-city and cross-bay eVTOL route, 2.5 to 3 hours shorter than it takes by car.

On May 22, the Guangdong Provincial Government issued the "Action Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Low-Altitude Economy (2024-2026)." The plan aims to establish a world-leading low-altitude economy hub within three years, with a projected market size exceeding 300 billion yuan. It outlines a tri-core structure centered around Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai, fostering industry giants and specialized enterprises. The plan also seeks to support the industry's growth through government investment funds and explore market-based approaches to attract more capital.

Shenzhen has positioned itself as a pioneer in the low-altitude economy. On February 1, the city implemented the nation's first legislation on low-altitude economic development, the "Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Low-Altitude Economic Industry Promotion Ordinance." This ordinance leverages public funds to attract private investment into the industry. Various districts within Shenzhen are also ramping up efforts: Futian District is developing the "Sky City" initiative, Luohu District has launched an aerial route experience at the Shuibei International Center, Nanshan District plans to introduce specific support policies aiming to become a global low-altitude economy hub, Bao'an District offers subsidies up to 30 million RMB per enterprise, and Longgang District is seeking public input on its policy to create a "Flying Valley" in the Greater Bay Area.

According to a report by CCID Consulting, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China's low-altitude economy reached 505.95 billion yuan in 2023. Shenzhen leads the nation in the number of low-altitude economy enterprises, followed by Guangzhou and Beijing. The report highlights the rapid growth driven by the booming civilian UAV industry and ongoing airspace reform trials, with a 33.8% year-on-year growth rate. Many provinces and cities across China are accelerating their low-altitude economic plans, with 24 cities including low-altitude economy in their local government work reports, and several cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Ji'an, Wuhu, Suzhou, and Chengdu have released relevant plans or policies.

By February 2024, China had over 57,000 enterprises in the field of low-altitude economy, with nearly 21,000 established in the past five years and about 80% founded in the past decade. Over 60% of these companies are located in Central and East China, with the top 50 cities housing 93.3% of the nation's low-altitude economic enterprises. Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Beijing lead, followed closely by Chengdu, Changsha, and Xi'an.