Shanghai Expands Free-Fly Drone Zones to 46% of City Territory
Shanghai has unveiled new guidelines allowing consumer drones to operate freely across nearly half of its metropolitan area. The policy covers micro, light, and small UAVs registered through a streamlined digital system, marking a significant leap in China's low-altitude economy development.
Three designated parks now serve as dedicated training grounds, including the Shanghai Botanical Garden. Aviation authorities maintain oversight for restricted zones, with flight approvals processed through the Suishenban app—a centralized platform for registration, flight planning, and practice slot reservations.
The initiative builds on Shanghai's 2025 action plan for airspace liberalization. Municipal data reveals explosive growth in drone adoption: 220,000 registered devices and 800 operating companies recorded by December 2025, facilitating 3.2 million flights last year alone.
