Chongqing - China’s outline for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), released on March 5, calls for accelerating the development of emerging and future industries as the country seeks to build new engines of economic growth.
It also highlights the need to expand emerging sectors, strategically plan and cultivate future industries, and improve the innovation ecosystem that supports industrial growth.
Chongqing, meanwhile, has outlined a roadmap to become a leading hub for China’s low-altitude economy, officials said at a recent news conference explaining the city’s 15th Five-Year Plan.
Visitors try a drone flight simulator in Chongqing. (Photo/Tan Xiangjun)
At the briefing, authorities said Chongqing will focus on three priorities: improving low-altitude flight safety and support capabilities, expanding benchmark "low-altitude plus" application scenarios with Chongqing characteristics, and developing industrial clusters with national influence.
In China, the "low-altitude economy" refers to economic activity in airspace typically between 100 meters and 1,000 meters above ground or water, including eVTOL aircraft, drones, logistics, emergency rescue, and low-altitude commuting services.
A member of Chongqing’s professional emergency rescue team uses a drone to monitor illegal outdoor fires. (Photo/Chongqing Emergency Management Bureau)
Officials said Chongqing's mountainous and hilly terrain suits low-altitude operations and offers scenarios for logistics, rescue, and transportation. By the end of 2025, the city's maximum available low-altitude airspace resources are expected to reach 76,452.57 square kilometers, accounting for 92.78% of Chongqing's total area.
A regular drone light show in Chongqing. (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)
Policy support has intensified through documents, including the "Chongqing Future Industry Cultivation Action Plan (2024–2027)" and related measures. Chongqing has also been designated China's only provincial-level pilot for development of the entire general aviation industry chain and selected as a national eVTOL pilot city.
Officials cited manufacturing capacity as another foundation. Chongqing is a major modern manufacturing base and has built an increasingly complete cluster for intelligent connected new energy vehicles. Capabilities in batteries, electric motors, electronic control systems, intelligent driving technologies, and lightweight materials have formed supply chains that officials say can support low-altitude industries such as eVTOL aircraft and drones.
State-owned enterprises, including China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and China Logistics Group, have launched related projects in the city, further strengthening the industry chain.