I NSTEAD of climbing thousands of steps to see the centuries-old Buddhist sculptures carved into the towering cliff face, visitors to the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in northwest China have a new thrilling option: boarding an aircraft and enjoying a spectacular view from high in the sky.
The local scenic spot has launched an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft programme since March, offering visitors an opportunity to soar at an altitude of 300 metres and enjoy a bird’seye view of the 1,600-year-old grottoes.
An innovative aerial sightseeing service in northwest China is transforming heritage exploration into a futuristic experience, offering visitors a unique way to engage with the region’s stunning landscapes.
As highlighted on social media, this approach represents a modern travel trend for the 21st century. With National Tourism Day on 19 May, low-altitude tourism is gaining attention as China focuses on developing this sector to boost consumption.
The northwest, characterized by its high-altitude terrain and abundant sunshine, presents ideal conditions for aerial tours, unlike the foggy, flat southern and eastern regions.
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with its vast flight area of approximately 1.8 million square kilometres and over 320 days of favourable flying weather annually, exemplifies this potential. Enthusiasts like Deng Lili recently enjoyed helicopter rides over iconic sites such as the Tianshan Mountains and the Manas River Grand Canyon, showcasing the region’s breathtaking beauty from above.
Xinhua
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