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
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Train continues to stop at rural station for lone schoolgirl until she graduates in March
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Train continues to stop at rural station for lone schoolgirl until she graduates in March
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
Starbucks releases tear-jerking new video inspired by heartwarming encounters in Japanese stores
This beautiful Okinawa beach gives you the best of both worlds when visiting the prefecture [Pics]
7-Eleven Japan has a “Super Spicy! Taiwan Mince Cutlet” that’s fiery red… but how hot is it?
Shinto shrine in downtown Tokyo announces cosplay ban
Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag
Pokémon donuts are coming to Krispy Kreme in the U.S. [Photos]
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Japanese convenience store food gets turned into hyper-realistic stationery you can peel open
Did you know? Only one Beard Papa’s in all of eastern Japan sells soft serve in a cream puff