For years, aerial drones frequently buzzed above the Huangpu River in Shanghai, capturing breathtaking views of one of China’s most iconic central business districts and the lights of thousands of homes.
But the spectacular aerial photos that once defined one of the world’s largest commercial drone markets have now been heavily restricted along this picturesque stretch of the river, reflecting a nationwide tightening of rules on civilian drone use.
Security concerns magnified by Ukraine’s drone attacks behind Russian lines are believed to have prompted China to enact the strict new regulations.
The sweeping changes have disrupted casual drone use and increased compliance hurdles for industrial applications like power grid inspections, complicating the country’s growing low-altitude economy.
Interviews and research by the South China Morning Post have revealed that nearly 20 of China’s biggest cities have put in place a blanket ban on civilian drone flights in central areas, with some changes implemented without policy announcements.
Fu Qianshao, a military analyst and former PLA Air Force officer, said the repeated drone attacks against Moscow and other important cities during the Ukraine war had created a sense of urgency in China about security in low-altitude areas.