Using a remote control, a competitor operates his drone to complete the designated tasks. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]

The 2025 National Youth Aviation and Aerospace Model Education Competition (Drone Category) Final kicked off on Oct 27 in Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA). The six-day event, running until Nov 1, has set a new historical record for participation, drawing 7,073 young competitors and 3,116 coaches from across China.

The competition aims to provide a high-profile platform for innovation and exhibition for China's youth. By refining its structure and operations, the event serves as a powerful catalyst for showcasing the area's culture, stimulating local consumption, and driving urban development.

The competition emphasizes technological advancement, featuring four main categories: speed flight, task flight, drone soccer, and programming flight, subdivided into 11 distinct events.

Highlights include the drone programming flight, which requires competitors to write code for drones under 200 grams to autonomously execute complex tasks like waypoint recognition and light changes. The drone transportation task challenges pilots to rapidly navigate obstacles and precisely deliver materials to designated zones.

This diversified competition model ensures the event is not only a technological event but a platform for cultivating scientific interest and unleashing the innovative potential of young people.

To maximize the event's local impact, Qingdao WCNA is employing a "tourism-through-competition" strategy. The area has launched one-day and two-day travel routes, coordinating with nearby commercial centers, scenic spots, and hotels to offer discounts and ticket reductions. Furthermore, a specialty food festival and a cultural heritage exhibition are being held concurrently, creating a rich sports, culture, and tourism experience for participants and visitors.