Photo: Screenshot from website

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xizang Autonomous Region, the world’s first ultra-high-altitude drone performance was held on Saturday by the shores of Tangra Yumco Lake in Nyima county.  

Hosted by the Nyima County Bureau of Culture and Tourism in partnership with China National Travel magazine and The Enterprise Observer newspaper, the performance highlighted the fusion of cutting-edge technology and the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, while showcasing the harmonious integration of innovation and nature, Wang Shaohua, general manager of the magazine, told the Global Times.

“This event utilizes innovative formats and multi-dimensional communication to promote the dissemination and exchange of outstanding ethnic and regional cultures,” noted Wang.

During the performance, hundreds of drones took to the skies, forming dazzling 3D light displays of objects such as native wild yaks, traditional rock carvings, local mountains and elements from traditional clothing culture. 

“These locally inspired elements were chosen because they represent the cultural essence of Nyima county and reflect its unique natural landscape and regional identity,” Wang said.

Located in northern Xizang, Nyima sits at an average altitude of over 4,600 meters. The environment on the ultra-high elevation plateau is marked by low pressure, frigid temperatures and strong winds, which pose strict technical challenges for drone flight, battery life and control systems.

During the performance, all drones were equipped with high-altitude propellers and had their flight control systems calibrated for plateau conditions. Barometric sensors were optimized for low-pressure environments to ensure accurate altitude detection. In addition, drones were fitted with insulated covers and cold-resistant batteries to minimize the impact of low temperatures on battery performance and prevent power-related flight failures, according to Wang. 

To ensure safety, a clear buffer zone was established between drone operation areas and spectators. A professional drone maintenance team conducted thorough inspections during test flights and between performances, focusing on key components such as propeller fittings and battery connections. Emergency communication equipment, including satellite phones, was pre-deployed to guarantee uninterrupted coordination in the high-altitude environment, added Wang.

“The successful performance not only marks a pioneering effort to leverage the low-altitude economy for border region development, but also serves as an innovative application of drone technology in high plateau areas,” Wang said. 

According to Wang, this event offered valuable experiences for expanding the low-altitude economy in the cultural and tourism sectors of the plateau, supports the integrated development of local industries, and opens up new possibilities for broader drone applications in high-elevation regions.