The drone final of the 2025 national youth aerospace model education competition is expected to be held in late October in Qingdao West Coast New Area. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The drone final of the 2025 national youth aerospace model education competition will be held in late October in Qingdao West Coast New Area.

Originating from traditional aviation model projects, the competition has developed into a nationwide science and sports event system over the years. In 2023, the drone project was first included in the competition system and is classified as a Class A science and sports event certified by the General Administration of Sport of China.

This is the first time that the event has featured a special drone final, with four major categories and 11 competitions, including speed flying, mission flying, drone soccer, and programming flying. It has attracted a history-making total of 12,000 young participants, a 40-percent increase over last year.

Participants are required to control models with a wheelbase of 100-120 millimeters and navigate obstacles such as a 0.6-meter diameter circular gate. There are also challenges like the drone programming flight competition, where teams must write code for drones weighing no more than 200 grams to autonomously complete difficult maneuvers such as pole circling and precision landings.

During the event, there will be displays and promotions of sports products, intangible cultural heritage, and special tourism routes for participants. Special discounts and policies will be offered to participants to promote tourism.

Originating from traditional aviation model projects, the national youth aerospace model education competition has developed into a nationwide science and sports event system over the years. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Originating from traditional aviation model projects, the national youth aerospace model education competition has developed into a nationwide science and sports event system over the years. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]