China’s Low-Altitude Tourism Soars How Paragliding, Skydiving and Helicopter Tours are Redefining Travel Experiences

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China’s tourism scene is embracing a new, exhilarating trend—Cityfly, a term that’s quickly becoming synonymous with adventure and high-flying experiences. Shifting away from conventional city tours, this exciting form of low-altitude tourism allows thrill-seekers to explore popular destinations from a completely different angle—above it all. Whether soaring through the sky with paragliding, diving into the air with skydiving, or gliding above the cityscape in a helicopter, Cityfly is taking China’s tourism to new heights.

Taking Tourism to New Heights

In the past, tourism was grounded in the beauty of landscapes and landmarks visible from street level. However, Cityfly introduces a new way of seeing the world—vertical exploration. Activities such as paragliding and skydiving give tourists the chance to fly above mountains, rivers, and urban sprawls, gaining an entirely new perspective of their surroundings.

One of the most popular spots for Cityfly activities is Mogan Mountain in Zhejiang Province. A paragliding base established there has experienced significant growth, attracting an increasing number of visitors every year. What began with fewer than 10,000 guests in 2019 has skyrocketed to over 100,000 visitors annually, marking a significant shift in how tourists are choosing to explore their surroundings.

Government Backing for Low-Altitude Tourism

China’s rapid adoption of low-altitude tourism is backed by substantial government support. Local governments, particularly in Zhejiang and Hainan, are driving the growth of this new tourism sector by introducing pilot zones and creating accessible infrastructure for tourists.

Deqing County in Zhejiang Province, for example, has been designated as a provincial hub for low-altitude tourism, where the government actively encourages the development of new experiences like scenic flight routes and paragliding excursions. This initiative aligns with China’s wider focus on tourism as a major economic driver, particularly the emerging low-altitude economy, which has quickly gained traction.

In 2024, the government recognized low-altitude tourism as a key component of China’s growth strategy, showcasing its commitment to transforming the sector into a central part of its economic expansion.

Skydiving and Paragliding Lead the Way

The Sanya region on Hainan Island is another hotspot where low-altitude tourism is thriving. Skydiving has gained immense popularity, with bases reporting rapid growth in participants. For instance, the Sanya skydiving base recorded a remarkable 6,000 customers in just the first quarter of 2025. This surge highlights how quickly the demand for skydiving experiences has increased in popular tourist destinations.

In fact, official statistics show that Sanya’s low-altitude tourism attracted about 287,000 tourists in the first half of 2024, an increase of more than 100% compared to the previous year. This sharp rise has not only boosted visitor numbers but also contributed to significant economic gains, with the sector generating over CNY 730 million (around RM 433 million) in revenue and creating 2,300 new jobs in the process.

Growth and Expansion Across China

The success of low-altitude tourism is not limited to Sanya and Zhejiang. Across China, other regions are adopting similar models to capitalize on this growing trend. In Sanya, the Wuzhizhou Island tourism zone is integrating more aerial experiences into its offerings, transforming the area into a major low-altitude tourism hub. With more people seeking novel ways to experience famous sites, these destinations are stepping up their game by providing diverse and exciting aerial tours.

The sector’s growth is reflected in the business landscape as well, with the number of enterprises involved in low-altitude tourism surging by 220% in just five months of 2025. As of 2025, 89,000 active companies are operating in this niche, fueling rapid expansion and innovation in the sector.

A New Dimension for Travel in China

What makes low-altitude tourism particularly compelling is its ability to offer travellers a new way to engage with familiar destinations. It brings three-dimensional experiences to the travel market, offering thrilling, one-of-a-kind views of landmarks and cities. By offering activities that allow tourists to fly, freefall, and soar, Cityfly is meeting the demand for more unique and immersive travel experiences.

This trend is transforming the way people think about tourism in China. Not only is it opening up a fresh market for adventure tourism, but it’s also injecting energy into the economy. By offering aerial activities, the sector is drawing in a new breed of tourist looking for both excitement and the opportunity to see China from a different perspective.

The Future of Low-Altitude Tourism

With continued government backing, decreasing costs, and rising interest, low-altitude tourism is set to keep soaring. As Cityfly takes off across the country, it will likely become a defining feature of China’s tourism industry, attracting even more visitors eager for a bird’s-eye view of the country’s natural beauty and urban landscapes. The future looks bright for this rapidly growing sector, and it is only a matter of time before it becomes a mainstay of China’s travel offerings.