Shenzhen’s Yantian drives low-altitude economy innovation

Yantian's signature mountain and sea view is captured from an eVTOL aircraft during a flight. File photos

Shenzhen has rapidly emerged as a national hub for the low-altitude economy, and Yantian District is seizing the opportunity to lead in this emerging sector. It is accelerating the development of a pioneering innovation zone for the low-altitude economy.

At the start of this year, Yantian officially released the "Measures to Promote Innovative Development of the Low-Altitude Economy Industry in Yantian District" document. Building on the existing policy support framework, the document introduced 11 new measures designed to position Yantian as a leader in the low-altitude economy.

An eVTOL aircraft takes off during a flight test in Yantian.

The measures focus on four key areas: supporting enterprises in the low-altitude economy industry chain, encouraging technological innovation, expanding low-altitude flight application scenarios, and creating talent cultivation hubs. These measures refine existing policies and set specific support standards, providing a clear roadmap for advancing emerging and future industries in Yantian.

To foster the clustering of the low-altitude economy, the measures propose expanding the industry chain through targeted projects to strengthen the district's specialized industrial clusters. This includes leveraging the Maluanshan Urban Low-Altitude Integrated Flight Support Base and Yantian's premium tourism resources to focus on areas such as helicopters, eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing), and low-altitude tourism.

According to the measures, new projects that involve the production and operation of core low-altitude technologies — such as manned eVTOL aircraft and unmanned drones — and meet an investment threshold of over 20 million yuan (US$2.76 million), excluding land costs, will receive a one-time subsidy of 5% of the total investment, capped at 5 million yuan per enterprise, from Yantian.

A view of Yantian eVTOL Industry Park.

In addition, application scenarios serve as the driving force for the low-altitude economy. Expanding low-altitude flight operations can stimulate the upstream and downstream development of the industry, such as R&D, manufacturing, and services.

To this end, the measures specifically support the expansion of drone logistics applications. By leveraging Yantian's tourism resources, the district aims to establish a low-altitude instant delivery network and promote drone logistics solutions. Companies providing drone delivery services will receive subsidies based on the number of flights conducted.

Enhancing independent innovation and achieving breakthroughs in core technologies are also priorities of these measures. In addition to offering startup funding for research institutes, airworthiness certification centers, key laboratories, and testing facilities that support low-altitude economic development, Yantian District encourages enterprises to invest in building support facilities.

Comprehensive support is available for the development of critical technologies, such as complete systems, core components, and service applications, along with incentives for loan interest subsidies and equity financing.

In terms of talent cultivation, Yantian plans to establish a professional training base for the low-altitude economy. It will focus on helicopter pilot training, long-range drone operator training, aircraft maintenance, and aviation rescue services. These efforts aim to nurture specialized talent and attract enterprises and high-quality resources to develop a robust industry ecosystem.

Last year, Yantian released the "Implementation Plan for Innovative Development of the Low-Altitude Economy (2023–2025)" and revised the "Measures to Build a Modern Industrial System and Promote High-Quality Economic Development (2023)."

These initiatives introduced substantial incentives for enterprises in the low-altitude economy, including up to 60 million yuan in support for recognized headquarters and up to 20 million yuan for office space purchases. Additionally, enterprises can receive up to 2 million yuan to support R&D.

An eVTOL aircraft flies over Dameisha beach.

City's first eVTOL sightseeing route

The test flight for Shenzhen's first eVTOL tourism route was launched successfully in Yantian's Dameisha area Nov. 13. The eVTOL aircraft took off from the Dameisha Coastal Flight Base and landed at the Xiaomeisha Coastal Flight Base, marking a significant milestone in the development of Yantian's low-altitude tourism.

Once officially operational, the route will enable passengers to board an eVTOL and enjoy a breathtaking five-minute flight over the sea between picturesque Dameisha and Xiaomeisha. This innovative route not only offers visitors a unique travel experience but also creates an air link between the two scenic spots, injecting new energy into regional tourism development.

Yantian launches eVTOL industry park

The Shenzhen Yantian eVTOL Industrial Park officially opened May 30, marking the establishment of China's first professional industrial park focused on the eVTOL segment of the low-altitude economy. The park brings together 16 enterprises, creating a comprehensive and efficient industrial cluster.

The park aims to become a specialized hub for innovation and development in the eVTOL field. It focuses on maintaining a balanced industrial chain layout, ensuring each enterprise plays a clear role within the broader ecosystem.

An eVTOL aircraft and a helicopter are seen during an eVTOL test over the Yantian Port.

Strategic Vision

The park's development is guided by a "three-core, two-support" strategy to balance and integrate the entire eVTOL industrial chain:

Three Core Areas

1. Technology and Manufacturing: Advancing competitive eVTOL products.

2. Key Components and Advanced Materials: Leading innovation in critical areas.

3. Scaled Operations and Applications: Expanding market competitiveness and long-term growth.

Two Supporting Pillars

1. Specialized Development Funds: Providing stable financial backing for enterprises.

2. Application Scenarios: Accelerating practical and commercial uses of eVTOL technology to drive adoption.

By integrating these core and support elements, the park aims to create a complete, efficient eVTOL industrial ecosystem.

Functional Zones

The park adopts a "one park, multiple zones" layout, with four specialized zones designed to cover the full life cycle of eVTOL development and production:

1. Headquarters and R&D Office Zone: Located in the Hesheng Innovation Plaza, this 20,000-square-meter area serves as the hub for research and administrative operations.

2. Small-scale Production Zone: Based in Building 28 of the Shatoujiao Free Trade Zone, this 85,000-square-meter area is designed for small-batch production.

3. Test Flight Zone: Occupying 930 square meters in the Dameisha Bus Terminal, this area provides facilities for flight testing.

4. Large-scale Production Zone: Located at the Yantian Offsite Industrial Park in Dongyuan County, Heyuan, this 100,000-square-meter area is dedicated to mass production.

Comprehensive development principles

The park operates on a "Four Concentrations" principle: centralized enterprise layouts, industry clustering, efficient resource utilization, and integrated functionality. Through enhanced planning, innovative policies, platform-building, and tailored support measures, the park aims to accelerate investments, attract businesses, and expand application scenarios within the eVTOL sector.

Yantian completes eVTOL test flight

Yantian successfully conducted the first test flight of its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) on Nov. 30, 2023 as part of the Shenzhen Low-Altitude Integrated Flight Demonstration Zone project. The test took place at the Dameisha Coastal Bus Terminal.

During the event, Houwei Huasheng Co. Ltd. showcased its EH216-S model, a pilotless passenger eVTOL, in the demonstration flight. This aircraft has been certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), making it the world's first eVTOL to receive airworthiness approval. According to Sun Cong, general manager of Houwei Huasheng Co. Ltd., the company plans to partner with Yantian to create unique low-altitude tourism experiences. (Liu Yangyang)