FAI World Drone Racing Championship kicks off in Shenzhen

SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- 2018 FAI World Drone Racing Championships unveiled its curtain here on Friday, drawing a total of 128 pilots from 34 countries.

The opening ceremony saw 300 drones formed different patterns and characters above the stadium including 1978, the year China began its reform and opening, the logo of FAI, and "Shenzhen" to welcome all the guest from around the world.

A 600-meter long track in a shape of Chinese knot was illuminated after the opening ceremony, which was the world's first 3D multi-layer drone racing track.

Shenzhen beat Barcelona and Albuquerque of USA to become the first city to host the world top event of drone racing.

"The heart of the drone economy beats vibrantly here, and the city has a buzzing atmosphere that fits perfectly with the thrill of drone racing," Said FAI president Frederick Brink.

It is estimated that manufacturing firms from Shenzhen possessed 70 percent of the world drone market, and the southern Chinese coastal city was widely recognized as "the capital of drone".