Shanghai Expands Drone Free-Flight Zones to Cover 46% of the City in 2024

• What Are Shanghai’s New Drone Flight Rules?
• How Does the Suishenban App Work?
• Why Is the Low-Altitude Economy a Priority?
• How Do Shanghai and Shenzhen Compare?
• What’s Next for Drone Regulations?
• FAQs

Shanghai has unveiled new regulations allowing recreational drone flights in designated free-flight zones, covering nearly half the city’s area. With streamlined registration via the Suishenban app and three dedicated training parks, the MOVE aligns with China’s push for a low-altitude economy. By 2025, the city aims for 220,000 registered drones and 800 drone-related businesses. Meanwhile, Shenzhen races to dominate the sector, targeting 75% airspace access by 2026. Here’s why this matters for tech and urban mobility.

What Are Shanghai’s New Drone Flight Rules?

Shanghai’s updated municipal drone policy permits hobbyists to fly micro, lightweight, and small drones in specified zones without prior approval—provided devices are registered. The free-flight areas span 46% of the city, including the Shanghai Botanical Garden and two other training parks. For other zones, aviation authority clearance remains mandatory. The Suishenban app centralizes registration, flight planning, and airspace maps, simplifying compliance. This follows China’s revised Civil Aviation Law, effective July 1, which mandates real-name drone registration nationwide.

How Does the Suishenban App Work?

Think of Suishenban as a “one-stop shop” for drone operators. Beyond registration, it displays real-time no-fly zones (like NEAR airports) and allows users to book training park slots. In 2023, Shanghai logged 3.2 million drone flights—a figure expected to surge as the low-altitude economy (sub-1,000-meter airspace activities) gains traction. The app’s rollout mirrors Shenzhen’s system, where DJI-backed policies have set a benchmark. Pro tip: Always check for firmware updates; non-compliant drones risk grounding.

Why Is the Low-Altitude Economy a Priority?

Shanghai envisions an ¥80 billion ($11.5B) industry by 2028, spanning delivery drones, air taxis, and emergency services. Last year’s municipal action plan accelerated infrastructure for this sector. Shenzhen, however, isn’t backing down—its July 2024 blueprint aims for 75% drone-accessible airspace and a ¥130B market by 2026. As BTCC analysts note, “Urban air mobility is the next battleground for smart cities, blending tech and regulation.” (This article does not constitute investment advice.)

How Do Shanghai and Shenzhen Compare?

While Shanghai leads in scale (46% free-flight coverage vs. Shenzhen’s 75% target), Shenzhen’s tech ecosystem—home to DJI—gives it an R&D edge. Both cities prioritize manufacturing hubs, but Shanghai’s focus on tourism applications (think drone light shows over the Bund) differs from Shenzhen’s logistics-heavy approach. Fun fact: During the 2024 Spring Festival, Shanghai drones delivered 5,000 parcels—a tiny fraction of Shenzhen’s 50,000 daily drone deliveries.

What’s Next for Drone Regulations?

China’s Civil Aviation Law amendments signal tighter oversight, but also growth incentives. Case in point: Shanghai’s 2025 target of 220,000 registered drones implies a 40% annual increase from 2023 levels. Key hurdles? Battery safety and noise pollution. As one industry insider joked, “Drones won’t replace pigeons—yet—but they’re getting closer.”

FAQs

Can tourists fly drones in Shanghai?

Yes, but foreign operators must register via Suishenban and adhere to no-fly zones (e.g., government buildings).

Are there penalties for unregistered drones?

Fines up to ¥10,000 ($1,400) apply, per 2024’s interim regulations.

Which drones qualify for free-flight zones?

Micro (under 250g), lightweight (250g–7kg), and small models (7kg–25kg).