The "2025 Silk Road Odyssey" (also known as "SCO Road: Forward Together") is a groundbreaking transnational media and cultural exchange initiative launched on July 16, 2025, under the framework of the Second SCO National Television Festival. This journey retraces the historical Silk Road routes, combining cultural diplomacy, media innovation, and technological demonstration to promote cooperation among Belt and Road Initiative countries.
Journey Overview
The expedition began in Xi'an - the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road - and traveled through China's western regions including Gansu Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. After passing through the Khorgos Port, the team ventured into Central Asian SCO member states including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The journey combines overland travel using new energy vehicles with spectacular technological demonstrations along the route.
Drone Light Show: A Technological Marvel Along the Silk Road
A standout feature of the 2025 Silk Road Odyssey has been the spectacular drone light show performances that have illuminated skies across Central Asia. These technological demonstrations represent the first large-scale public drone performances ever staged in Central Asia by a Chinese team.
Performance Highlights:
- Domestic Prelude - Hami, Xinjiang (August 1, 2025)
- The preview show featured 1,000 drones creating formations of golden Hami melons and "August 1st" patterns, blending technology with local cultural elements.
- Central Asian Debut - Suyab, Kyrgyzstan (August 16, 2025)
- At the ancient site believed to be Li Bai's birthplace, 500 drones created mesmerizing formations including:
- Camel caravans symbolizing historical trade routes
- A rotating globe representing global connectivity
- The image of poet Li Bai alongside his famous verse
- This performance connected Chinese cultural heritage with Silk Road history
- At the ancient site believed to be Li Bai's birthplace, 500 drones created mesmerizing formations including:
- Friendship Performance - Tashkent, Uzbekistan (August 20, 2025)
- 500 drones showcased:
- The Uzbek national flag
- "Silk Road Odyssey" in Uzbek script
- 3D maps of Silk Road routes
- Local landmarks including the Timur statue and Tashkent Tower
- Heart symbols connecting "CHINA" and "UZBEKISTAN"
- The show attracted over 20,000 local spectators and generated significant social media engagement
- 500 drones showcased:
Technical Excellence Behind the Spectacle
The drone light shows are powered by Leshan Aether Dynamic Technology Co., Ltd., which specializes in drone R&D, production, and application. The company has achieved remarkable production efficiency, manufacturing nearly 30,000 drone performance units since late May 2025, with orders scheduled through the year-end.
Strategic Partnership with MMC
Leshan Aether Dynamic operates as a strategic manufacturing partner within the ecosystem of MicroMultiCopter Aero Technology Co., Ltd. (MMC). While MMC focuses on core technology development including flight control systems, power systems, and standardized mission payloads, Leshan Aether Dynamic excels in large-scale manufacturing and application-oriented production.
This synergy represents the perfect integration of MMC's technological innovation with Leshan Aether Dynamic's manufacturing capabilities, demonstrating China's leadership in the low-altitude economy sector. The drone performances along the Silk Road serve as a powerful demonstration of this collaborative advantage.
Supporting Companies and Technologies
Shanxi Radio and Television Group
As the main organizer, the media group leverages its decade-long "Silk Road Odyssey" experience to facilitate cross-border storytelling and cultural diplomacy.
BYD New Energy Vehicles
Provided the expedition's transportation support with its flagship models, demonstrating China's leadership in green mobility technology.
Shenzhen Qianhai Hand-Painted Technology
Contributed translation devices to facilitate cross-cultural communication during the expedition.
Conclusion: Technology Connecting Cultures
The 2025 Silk Road Odyssey represents a perfect fusion of ancient cultural heritage and modern technology. Through innovative media coverage and spectacular technological demonstrations like the drone light shows, the initiative not only celebrates shared historical connections but also paves the way for future cooperation in technology and cultural exchange.
The successful collaboration between MMC and Leshan Aether Dynamic in delivering these unprecedented technological demonstrations along the Silk Road underscores China's growing leadership in the low-altitude economy sector while strengthening people-to-people connections across Belt and Road Initiative countries.
