The high-tech city of Shenzhen celebrated China’s National Day on October 1st with an amazing show that broke records: a swarm of 10,197 drones lighting up the night sky in a captivating display. This remarkable occurrence signified a new turning point in the development of drone entertainment technology.
Shenzhen, a global hub for technology and home to renowned drone manufacturer DJI, is no stranger to impressive aerial shows. Just days earlier, the Guinness World Records YouTube channel highlighted a previous 7,598-drone swarm display, which had set the bar high in early September. However, the new National Day performance, held over Shenzhen Bay Park, took the concept to a whole new level.
The drone show featured a range of captivating visuals, including soaring rainbow birds, thunderbolts, and even a 3D drone mothership with screens on its sides. One of the most impressive moments was a detailed, three-dimensional representation of Shenzhen itself, crafted entirely by the synchronized drones.
While the motion of the drones remained relatively slow, the sheer number of aerial “pixels” allowed for stunning visuals. By turning drones on and off or changing their colors, the swarm created the illusion of motion, treating the sky as a dynamic canvas. Though the resolution of this drone “screen” may seem underwhelming in official footage, videos captured by spectators from a distance revealed the full grandeur of the event.
China, the birthplace of fireworks, continues to lead the way in drone swarm technology, dominating the global drone manufacturing industry. This record-breaking display is not just an entertainment marvel, but a glimpse into the future of coordinated drones, which have also proven useful in modern warfare. For now, though, the focus remains on pushing the boundaries of mass public entertainment—an achievement that continues to astonish the world.
