The Shanghai leg of the 2025 FAI Drone Racing World Cup will kick off on Sept 24, marking the debut of this premier international sporting event in China.

This leg is the 11th of 13 scheduled stages of the 2025 FAI Drone Racing World Cup held in 12 countries and regions.

Jointly organized by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale Aeromodelling Commission, along with national and local sports and government authorities, the four-day event seeks to advance drone racing in China while fusing smart technology with competitive sports.

As a competition certified by the World Air Sports Federation, it will feature high-speed, first-person-view races in which pilots steer drones through obstacle courses using virtual reality headsets.

Categories include open, youth, and women's divisions, with champions set to emerge on Sept 27 following qualifiers, eliminations, and finals.

Dubbed the "Formula 1 in the air", drone racing has gained global momentum, having been featured at both the 2025 World Games and the 2025 National Games.

The Shanghai leg underscores the city's ambition to become a hub for tech sports and innovation in the low-altitude economy.

Spectators can look forward to immersive experiences, from live drone camera feeds to special discounts at local businesses.

Source: WeChat account of the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government at "shanghaifabu"