The city of Liuyang, long celebrated as the "fireworks capital of the world," has once again redefined the limits of aerial spectacle. On the evening of October 17, the skies above this central Chinese city in Hunan province transformed into a colossal, dynamic canvas, setting two new Guinness World Records in a breathtaking fusion of cutting-edge technology and traditional pyrotechnics.
The event, a highlight of the city's renowned fireworks festival, saw an unprecedented 15,947 drones take flight, orchestrating a synchronized ballet of light and sound that captivated millions of spectators who gathered in person and tuned in via live streams from across the globe.
A Dual Feat of Technological Marvel
The historic night was marked by the official recognition of two distinct, groundbreaking achievements. The first record was set for “the most unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) launched simultaneously by a single computer.” In a stunning display of precision and coordination, all 15,947 drones ascended into the night sky at the exact same moment, controlled by a singular, powerful computer system. This feat shattered previous records and demonstrated a new frontier in swarm technology.
The second Guinness World Record was awarded for “the largest drone formation flight carrying the most fireworks.” A total of 7,496 drones were specially equipped to carry and ignite pyrotechnics, creating a hybrid show where the drones themselves became the source of both illumination and explosive color.
This monumental event was a powerful collaboration between Shenzhen's tech pioneer, Gaoju Innovation, a leader in drone light show technology, and the master artisans of Liuyang's local fireworks industry. It represented a perfect marriage of Silicon Valley-level innovation with centuries-old artistic tradition.
As reported in a detailed breakdown of the event, the coordination required for such a launch was immense. For a closer look at the technology behind the spectacle, you can view the report from CGTN here: 15,947 drones take off at Liuyang, setting two world records.
The "Sky Tree": Where Drone Art Met Fireworks Magic
While the record numbers are impressive, it was the artistic performance that truly stole the show. The drones, acting as programmable pixels in the sky, formed intricate and massive 3D shapes. The pinnacle of the performance was the creation of a gigantic, shimmering "Sky Tree." This digital tree, constructed entirely from the lights of thousands of drones, stood brilliantly against the dark canvas of the night.
Then, in a moment of pure magic, the fireworks attached to the drones at the base of the formation were ignited. The effect was transformative, creating a breathtaking illusion of "sprites" or luminous blossoms cascading from the digital branches, merging the ethereal quality of light with the raw, fiery energy of fireworks.
The display has sent ripples through the global events and entertainment industry, highlighting new possibilities for large-scale celebrations. The Economic Times covered the international reaction, noting how the event sets a new benchmark for aerial displays. Read their coverage here: China's Liuyang drone show breaks Guinness record as 16,000 drones create stunning sky display.
While Liuyang treats residents and visitors to a spectacular fireworks show every Saturday evening, this record-setting event was in a league of its own. It was more than just a display; it was a statement. It showcased Liuyang's commitment to evolving its iconic industry, proving that even the most traditional arts can soar to new heights when paired with visionary technology.
The night of October 17 will be remembered not just for the two new Guinness World Records, but for the moment the world looked up and saw the future of spectacle, brilliantly illuminated over Liuyang.
Nearly 16,000 drones soared over Liuyang, central China’s Hunan Province, lighting up the night and filling the sky with bursts of romance. pic.twitter.com/c2gHq5r21e
— People's Daily, China (@PDChina) October 20, 2025
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