12,000 drones paint the night for Shenzhen SEZ's 45th anniversary

In a spectacular celebration marking the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (Shenzhen SEZ), the city’s skyline was transformed by a groundbreaking 12,000-drone light show last night.

A luminous formation of drones spells "Amazing Shenzhen" across the velvet night sky above the Civic Center in Futian District, drawing gasps from thousands gathered below. Photos by Liu Xudong and Lin Jianping except otherwiese stated

The unprecedented event, beginning at 8:26 p.m., featured a 30-minute drone performance and a one-hour light show across two main venues: Shenzhen Civic Center in Futian District and Shenzhen Talent Park in Nanshan District. The performances ran simultaneously at both locations.

A constellation of drones spells "The 45th anniversary of the establishment of Shenzhen SEZ" in brilliant light above Shenzhen Talent Park in Nanshan District yesterday evening. 

What set this celebration apart was the world’s first 12,000-drone light show, featuring two independent drone matrices of 6,000 drones each that take off and fly together simultaneously.

The drone performance represented a significant technological achievement, with its 30-minute duration doubling the previous maximum single endurance record of 15 minutes for such displays.

Beyond the two main venues, the celebration also extended throughout the city, with landmarks in different districts, Dapeng New Area, the Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone, and the Qianhai cooperation zone participating in the light and shadow spectacle. Building lights synchronized with the drone formations, changing colors and patterns in real time to create a harmonious interplay between sky and earth.

A visitor captures the dazzling drone swarm lighting up the night sky above the Civic Center in Futian District.

The performances unfolded across two main venues, both beginning with scroll displays that sequentially showcased urban landmarks, technological innovations, mountain-sea vistas, and iconic scenes from the reform and opening-up era.

While each venue maintained its own unique focus, they complemented one another, together showcasing the pioneering spirit and determined work ethic of the Shenzhen SEZ. This visual narrative was enhanced by thoughtfully arranged background music that brought the entire presentation to life.

Dutch artist Joseph Klibansky (L) and Dutch YouTuber Sander Kole (2nd L) share a lively moment with friends during the dazzling drone show at Shenzhen Talent Park.

Maxim Sotnikov, a Russian vlogger who has been living in Shenzhen since 2010 and a Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador, was deeply impressed by the technological marvel on display.

“I think it’s amazing. No country in the world can achieve this technology. For us, it’s new technology and the future,” Sotnikov remarked, adding that it’s a demonstration of Shenzhen’s “strength and ability.”

“I’m very interested in filming this performance and sharing it on foreign websites with people from other countries. China is amazing,” Sotnikov said.

The performance at the Shenzhen Civic Center spotlighted the remarkable journey of reform and opening up, while the Shenzhen Talent Park’s presentation transformed into an impressive tech showcase.

“It’s really amazing to come back and to see this all. There are no words to describe it. To see all these drones moving at one time, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Sander Kole, a famous Dutch YouTuber who grew up in Shenzhen, told Shenzhen Daily at Shenzhen Talent Park.

Videos by Lin Jianping

Kole, who calls himself a “Shenzhener Forever,” came back to Shenzhen on Monday specifically for this special occasion, along with Dutch artist Joseph Klibansky, whose artwork was displayed in the drone show.

Across the two venues, the performances upon the sky also featured five exceptional artworks from Chinese and foreign artists.

Sander Kole (L), a famous Dutch YouTuber who grew up in Shenzhen, and one of his team members look up as a swarm of drones form an astronaut sculpture — an ethereal piece by Dutch artist Joseph Klibansky — above the Shenzhen Talent Park last night. Courtesy of the interviewees

These included Shenzhen painter Chen Xiangbo’s fine brushwork painting featuring Shenzhen’s city flower, the bougainvillea; Hong Kong designer Hong Ko’s emoji-inspired creation; and Dutch artist Joseph Klibansky’s astronaut sculpture, expressing humanity’s profound connection to the universe.

Art installations dedicated to the 45th anniversary celebration have been set up at both venues for visitors and residents wishing to commemorate the milestone and create picture-perfect moments.