Could this be the future of fireworks?
As technology progresses and humankind embraces the unmatched precision of drones, astonishing feats using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) become a reality, like taking beautiful videos of cherry blossoms in the heart of Tokyo.
A recent light show performance held in the ancient city of Xi’an, China, saw drones being utilized in place of fireworks. While coordinated use of the flying machines for light displays isn’t exactly new, the scale was a completely different story, boasting a whopping 1,374 drones dancing in concert in the darkness of night.
▼ Such astounding performances may replace fireworks one day.
Representing the entire 13.74 kilometer (8.54 miles) length of Xi’an City Wall, the 1,374 buzzing UAVs took to the skies on the evening of 1 May. Among them, 74 special drones symbolized the 74 countries that cooperated with China in its signature “One Belt One Road Initiative”, an economic strategy bridging various regions of the world.
▼ Dotting the night sky like gorgeous fireflies of the future.
▼ A range of messages were displayed,
including “New era”, “Run Xi’an”, and “I love Xi’an”.
So grand was the scale of the drone performance that it entered the Guiness World Records for the most number of simultaneous airborne UAVs. Organizers of the event estimated the cost of the show to be 10.5 million yuan (US$1.65 million), drawing crowds of onlookers hoping to take videos and pictures of the magnificent spectacle.
Not everything went smoothly, however, as coordinating such an impressive number of drones proved to be a massive logistical and programming nightmare, with a portion of the hovering machines stubbornly refusing to hover into predetermined positions. Drone recovery after the show went well for the most part, but some of the UAVs landed with the grace of stones dropping out of the sky.
▼ Darn those rogue drones.
Despite the unfortunate hiccups in drone operations — maybe they should hire these crack UAV pilots next time? — the amazing light performance at such immense scale made for an unforgettable night for residents of Xi’an.
Source: Tech Web, Observer, YouTube/New China TV, YouTube/Beijing News
Images: YouTube/New China TV
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Domino’s erupts with a 1kg Cheese Volcano in Japan
These creative, fanciful post boxes from Japan will delight you in so many ways【Photos】
Fried sandwiches arrive in Tokyo, become hot topic on social media
Ghibli, One Punch, Fullmetal Alchemist artists create hand-drawn Major Leage Baseball anime video
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Domino’s erupts with a 1kg Cheese Volcano in Japan
These creative, fanciful post boxes from Japan will delight you in so many ways【Photos】
Fried sandwiches arrive in Tokyo, become hot topic on social media
Ghibli, One Punch, Fullmetal Alchemist artists create hand-drawn Major Leage Baseball anime video
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Sailor Moon Sanrio partnership adds pairings for Sailor Starlights in new crossover merch line【Pics】
Men Who Disappoint at Goukon (Group Blind Date), Nine Types That Shouldn’t Even Bother Showing up!
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Downtown Tokyo’s meaty monster Kaibutsu ramen will challenge your stomach, thrill your taste buds
Trouble making friends? Sticker collecting works surprisingly well