From air taxis to agricultural innovation, south China’s tech hub leads the way in low-altitude airspace transformation
In south China’s tech-driven metropolis of Shenzhen, the skies are no longer the limit—they are the future of mobility. As drones and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) rapidly enter mainstream use, Shenzhen is emerging as a national leader in the low-altitude economy, revolutionizing transportation, logistics, agriculture, and everyday life.
Shenzhen’s low-altitude economy—powered by a fusion of advanced air mobility technologies, digital infrastructure, and forward-thinking policy—is gaining momentum as drones and eVTOLs reshape how people and goods move in the city and beyond.
Capable of flying at 130 kilometers per hour and ascending vertically beyond 100 meters, eVTOLs are the poster child of this transformation. These fully electric “air taxis” have transitioned from concept to commercial deployment, offering a glimpse of a futuristic mobility ecosystem that once seemed the stuff of science fiction.
A Three-Hour Commute Reduced to 17 Minutes
One of the most striking examples of eVTOL impact is the dramatic time savings in regional travel. In Shenzhen, commuters can now reach the coastal city of Zhuhai—across the sea—in just 17 minutes by air taxi, a journey that previously required up to three hours by car.
The debut of these flying vehicles marks not just a technological milestone but underscores the depth of Shenzhen’s strategic planning. The city’s success reflects layered advancements in policy support, urban infrastructure, and application development aimed at accelerating the growth of low-altitude flight.
“The air taxi isn’t just a novelty; it’s a functional tool redefining intercity travel,” said Zhang Wei, an urban mobility analyst based in Shenzhen. “And it’s just the beginning.”
Efficiency in Emergencies and High-Value Deliveries
The utility of drones and eVTOLs extends far beyond passenger travel. In urgent or high-value transport scenarios—such as medical supply delivery or disaster response—these aerial vehicles are offering faster, more reliable alternatives to traditional ground logistics.
Intercity drone freight is gaining traction as well. With no need for roads or drivers, drones can bypass traffic, terrain, and delays, presenting new opportunities for logistics companies operating in the densely populated Pearl River Delta region.
Agriculture Takes to the Skies
Beyond urban centers, drones are playing a critical role in revolutionizing Chinese agriculture. Drone-enabled crop spraying has proven a game-changer for farmers, especially amid labor shortages and rising production costs.
According to China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, agricultural drones have led to a 10% to 20% improvement in pest control effectiveness, a 20% to 30% reduction in pesticide use, and over a 10% increase in utilization efficiency of crop treatments.
The widespread adoption of drones in the countryside has elevated China to the position of the world’s largest user of agricultural drones, according to the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center.
“This is not just a matter of technology,” said a center researcher. “It’s about sustainability and food security. Precision agriculture powered by drones is allowing farmers to do more with less—less time, fewer resources, and minimal environmental impact.”
Drone Deliveries Go Commercial
In Shenzhen’s urban core, drone delivery services have advanced from pilot programs to robust commercial operations. By the end of 2024, a leading food delivery platform based in Shenzhen had established 53 drone delivery routes, completing over 200,000 drone-delivered orders—nearly double the previous year’s figure—and attracting over 80,000 new users.
Equipped with autonomous flight navigation and safety systems, these drones deliver meals, coffee, and essential items with unmatched speed and precision. In some districts, average delivery times have dropped below 10 minutes.
“Consumers love the speed and novelty, and businesses are realizing real cost savings,” said Liu Fan, a product director at the delivery platform. “This is no longer a beta test—it’s the new standard.”
A New Economic Frontier
As the drone and eVTOL ecosystem matures, the low-altitude economy is being defined as an integrated, multi-sector economic model built on low-altitude airspace activity. It incorporates transportation, logistics, agriculture, tourism, public safety, and more.
Li Shipeng, executive director of the Low-Altitude Economy Branch of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Digital Economy Research Institute, believes the low-altitude economy is rapidly becoming a pillar of Shenzhen’s broader digital transformation strategy.
“Shenzhen is leading the nation in drone usage volume,” Li said. “As of last October, the average daily drone flight volume exceeded 8,000—more than any other city in China. That includes corporate, commercial, and private use.”
He added that this level of activity is supported by Shenzhen’s comprehensive digital infrastructure, a highly engaged tech workforce, and a government that actively supports regulatory innovation and airspace planning.
Future Horizons and Challenges
While Shenzhen’s progress is impressive, experts warn that scaling the low-altitude economy will require ongoing attention to safety, air traffic coordination, and environmental impact.
“Integrating thousands of low-flying vehicles into urban airspace is a major challenge,” said aviation systems engineer Wang Jun. “We need smart traffic control systems, robust regulations, and continuous public engagement to ensure safety and efficiency.”
Yet the optimism remains strong. Shenzhen’s model is already being studied by other Chinese cities—and globally—as a blueprint for how to harness emerging aerial mobility technologies for economic growth.
From flying taxis to agricultural drones, the city is proving that low-altitude innovation is more than a buzzword—it’s a transformative force with real-world benefits.
Conclusion
As Shenzhen continues to redefine what’s possible in the skies just above its streets, it stands as a beacon for cities worldwide aiming to build smarter, faster, and more sustainable urban futures.
With air taxis in operation, drone deliveries on the rise, and a new generation of infrastructure being built for the skies, the low-altitude economy has officially taken flight—and Shenzhen is in the pilot’s seat.
