China’s Low-Altitude Economy Expo Opens as Summer Tourism Booms

China is experiencing a dynamic start to the second half of 2026, with four major developments unfolding across technology, tourism, public safety, and sports. From flying taxi prototypes at Shanghai’s low-altitude economy expo to a surge in “cool economy” summer travel, new amusement ride safety regulations, and the announcement of the WTT China Grand Slam, the nation’s cultural and economic landscape is buzzing with activity.

Low-Altitude Economy Expo Takes Flight in Shanghai

The 2026 International Low-Altitude Economy Expo opened on July 22 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, showcasing the future of urban air mobility. Running through July 25, the expo features over 450 exhibitors across 60,000 square meters of exhibition space, with 65 debut events and 23 global premieres, according to Sohu News.

Flying taxi prototypes — electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft — are among the star attractions, with major Chinese innovators such as EHang, Volant Aerotech, TCab Tech, and AutoFlight displaying their latest models. The expo’s theme, “Harnessing the New Potential of Low-Altitude, Opening a New Chapter in the Economy,” reflects China’s strategic push to develop the low-altitude economy as a new growth engine. Shanghai now hosts over 50% of the country’s eVTOL innovation enterprises, positioning the city as a core hub for the Yangtze River Delta region’s ambitions in intercity low-altitude aviation.

‘Cool Economy’ Drives Summer Tourism Boom

As much of China experiences sweltering summer heat, tourists are flocking to cooler destinations in what state media has dubbed the “cool economy” (清凉经济). CCTV News reported that destinations with naturally cool climates are seeing record visitor numbers.

Guizhou’s Malinghe Canyon, with an average summer temperature of 23°C, has seen tourist numbers rise 35.86% year-on-year, with surrounding hotels fully booked. Jilin’s Changbai Mountain, averaging 22°C, is drawing over 30,000 daily visitors. Liupanshui in Guizhou — known as “China’s Cool Capital” with an average summer temperature of just 19.6°C — is hosting 20 themed events and 200 performances throughout its summer season. Other popular destinations include Shanxi’s Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon, Yunnan’s Shangri-La, and Hunan’s Golden Pasture, all leveraging high-altitude climates to attract visitors. Visa-free policies for travelers from Russia, South Korea, and other countries are further boosting inbound tourism.

New Safety Standards for Amusement Rides

On the regulatory front, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has opened new national safety standards for large amusement rides for public comment. As CCTV News reported, China currently has 25,800 large amusement rides in operation across more than 2,000 parks.

The proposed “Safety Requirements for Large-scale Amusement Rides” updates the 2018 code with several key changes: design service life requirements for major components, enhanced weld classification and testing protocols, new technical requirements for carbon fiber composite materials, and real-time operational status monitoring for high-risk rides. Du Xiaoguang, Deputy Director of SAMR’s Elevator, Ropeway and Amusement Ride Division, stated that “for high-risk rides or those that have had accidents, we require appropriate operational status monitoring measures… When there is a risk, operations must be stopped in time.” The final standard is expected by the end of 2026.

WTT China Grand Slam Set for October

In sports, the WTT China Grand Slam 2026 has been confirmed for October 1–11 at Beijing’s Shougang Park. According to China News Service, the event will feature China’s national table tennis team at full strength, with the first round of ticket sales beginning in mid-to-late August.

This year’s tournament introduces several innovations, including the first-ever opening of the Shougang Big Air venue’s spectator stands — a legacy of the 2022 Winter Olympics — for the Grand Slam Park. The event is part of Beijing’s “Double Olympic 100” initiative, demonstrating successful post-Olympic venue utilization. The timing during China’s National Day holiday is expected to maximize domestic viewership for what remains one of the nation’s most beloved sports.

Looking Ahead

These four developments — spanning emerging industries, consumer trends, public safety, and sports — collectively illustrate China’s multifaceted approach to economic and cultural development. The low-altitude economy expo signals a commitment to cutting-edge aviation technology, while the summer tourism data points to robust domestic consumption. The updated amusement ride standards reflect a maturing regulatory environment, and the WTT Grand Slam underscores the enduring cultural significance of table tennis. Together, they paint a picture of a nation in motion, balancing innovation with safety and tradition with progress.