LIUYANG, China – The night sky over Liuyang, a city renowned as the “hometown of fireworks,” was set ablaze not with traditional gunpowder, but with the silent, digital brilliance of technology. On a landmark evening, a fleet of 16,000 synchronized drones took flight, weaving intricate animations and messages to secure the official Guinness World Record for the “most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) airborne simultaneously.”
A Celestial Canvas for National Day With 16,000 Drones
The record-breaking performance was a centerpiece of the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The drones, each acting as a single pixel of light, transformed the heavens into a dynamic canvas.
Spectators on the ground witnessed a breathtaking 15-minute display that featured a series of elaborate and patriotic formations. The show opened with a majestic countdown, followed by a stunning portrayal of the Chinese national flag, its five stars shimmering in perfect harmony. Other highlights included a moving tribute to the nation’s space exploration program, a graceful giant panda, and the iconic phrase “I Love China” etched across the sky, drawing audible gasps and cheers from the captivated crowd.
🚨🇨🇳 BREAKING: 16000 drones over Liuyang, a new world record.pic.twitter.com/WQGTWaiI87
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) October 19, 2025
Shattering the Previous Record
This monumental achievement in Liuyang officially surpasses the previous record of 15,284 drones, which was set in February 2024. A official adjudicator from Guinness World Records was present on-site to meticulously verify the count, flight duration, and synchronization, confirming that all stringent criteria were met before awarding the coveted title.
The successful attempt not only captures a world record but also symbolizes a significant technological leap, showcasing China’s leading capabilities in UAV manufacturing and software programming.
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The Technology Behind the Spectacle
Organizing such a massive fleet of drones requires immense precision and cutting-edge technology. Each drone is pre-programmed with a specific flight path and color code, all controlled by a sophisticated central computer system.
“The synchronization is the true challenge,” explained a representative from the event’s tech team. “Ensuring that 16,000 individual units operate as a single, cohesive entity, with zero collisions and perfect timing, is a feat of advanced swarm algorithms and robust communication networks. This is more than a light show; it’s a demonstration of the future of aerial logistics and entertainment.”
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 Liuyang’s Legacy and Future
For Liuyang, this event masterfully bridges its historic identity with its ambitious future. Known for centuries as a global hub for firework production, the city is now pioneering the next generation of pyrotechnics. Drone light shows offer an eco-friendly alternative—producing no smoke, debris, or sound pollution—while allowing for previously impossible levels of creative detail and reusability.
Local officials hailed the event as a major success. “We are incredibly proud,” said a Liuyang city spokesperson. “Tonight, we have honored our past as the home of fireworks by embracing the future. This record puts Liuyang firmly on the map as a city of innovation, celebrating our national spirit with technology that inspires awe and unity.”
The 16,000 drones have since landed, but the memory of their flight remains—a luminous testament to human ingenuity, national pride, and a new, silent, and brilliant way to paint the night sky.
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