On the morning of October 6th at 9 AM, a B-7508 helicopter lifted off from the banks of the Qiantang River, offering passengers a stunning aerial view of the river below.
“This is my first time flying in a helicopter, and it’s so smooth! Seeing the Qiantang River from a hundred meters up is just breathtaking!” said Li Yiqi, a passenger thrilled by Haining, Zhejiang’s new low-altitude sightseeing project.
As the helicopter glided eastward along the river’s dyke, passengers were treated to the sight of the lush, century-old Wengjin Line forest, which resembled a vibrant green barrier protecting the river’s edge. Just three minutes into the flight, they reached the prime viewing location for the Qiantang River’s tidal phenomena: the Haining Salt Official Tidal Viewing Area, which offered spectacular views of the ancient town, Zhan’ao Tower, and Baishitan Square.
The helicopter’s journey covered 36 kilometers—a distance that typically takes nearly an hour to travel by car—but in the air, they completed it in about 12 minutes.
A slender boat drifted gently along the winding waterways of the Hangjiahu Plain, reminding older generations of the nostalgic boat rides of their youth. Now, with the opportunity to fly, visitors are soaring over the expansive Qiantang River, looking down at charming ancient towns and serene streams while exploring the misty horizons of southern Tai Lake. The dream of transforming waterway travel into a new thoroughfare is finally becoming a reality.
At a flight training base in Pinghu, Zhejiang, Chen Kai, a 90s-born pilot, stands out as an innovative instructor, conducting lessons high in the sky. He combines theoretical flight instruction with practical training, helping students get comfortable wearing flight gear and performing pre-flight safety checks. After thorough preparation, he takes his trainees on airborne journeys over the Zhejiang-Shanghai border, letting them soak in the stunning scenery of the Yangtze River Delta.
“Now, many people from Pinghu can see their familiar landscapes from the co-pilot’s seat and experience the thrill of flying,” Chen shared. To help students manage any flight anxiety, he has introduced a “landmark sightseeing” teaching method, encouraging students to identify local points of interest from their aerial perspective.
During the recent National Day holiday in Wuxing, Huzhou, the area around southern Tai Lake also saw heightened interest in flying experiences. Tourists from the local village of Huanmian slowly ascended in a helicopter, awed by the endless shoreline stretching as far as the eye could see. The vibrant blue skies, lush green landscapes, and sparkling waters prompted many to capture the stunning views on their phones.
According to Hong Baiyun, the director of the flight base, they now offer three distinct routes: the Moon Bay Line, the Luogang Line, and the Southern Tai Lake Line. This variety allows visitors to select their preferred route and enjoy a comprehensive view of the lake’s beauty.
“Right now, we also provide helicopter training, flight experiences, family educational programs, team-building flights, and mini-vacation services,” explained Hong. Looking ahead, there are plans to develop low-altitude express routes connecting Huzhou to Shanghai, Anji, Mogan Mountain, and Qiandao Lake, leading to the exploration of new business models.
Today, as boats paddle through the water and planes soar above, the low-altitude flying industry is buzzing with energy. Drones are being used for agricultural pest control and power line inspections, acting as “rural guardians”; they play critical roles in emergency rescues and weather detection as “efficient helpers.” Aerial taxis are transforming travel efficiency, while aerial logistics are reaching every corner. The expansion of “roads” into the skies is significantly broadening the development opportunities for water towns.
