22,580 Drones Set New World Record at China Festival

Imagine looking up to see more than 22,000 glowing drones dancing across the night sky in perfect harmony. That's exactly what happened at China's 2026 Spring Festival Gala, where EHang Egret just set a new Guinness World Record with 22,580 drones performing simultaneously from a single computer.

The performance took place at the Hefei venue of China's most-watched television event, broadcast to billions of viewers worldwide. The drones created intricate 3D animations including traditional horse-head walls from Anhui architecture, glowing lanterns celebrating the Year of the Horse, and a futuristic "time tunnel" that looked straight out of science fiction.

Getting 22,580 flying machines to move in perfect sync is no small feat. EHang's latest GD4.0 drones can fly for 45 minutes, position themselves within centimeters of accuracy, and operate reliably even in cold nighttime conditions. The company spent weeks practicing, running multiple test performances with over 20,000 drones to ensure everything worked flawlessly.

On February 3, 2026, an official Guinness World Records adjudicator watched as all 22,580 drones lifted off together. They painted the sky with moving pictures that honored Chinese New Year traditions while showcasing what modern technology can achieve.

The Ripple Effect

This record isn't just about putting on a good show. The technology behind coordinating this massive fleet has real-world applications that could transform how we move people and goods through the air.

The same command systems controlling these thousands of display drones can manage fleets of passenger aircraft, cargo delivery vehicles, and emergency response units. EHang is already developing passenger drones like the EH216 and VT35 series, and this performance proved their systems can handle large-scale urban air traffic.

The display also brought drone technology closer to everyday people. Millions watching the Gala saw firsthand how unmanned aircraft can create beauty and wonder, helping build public understanding and acceptance of the growing low-altitude economy.

EHang Egret has broken multiple world records before, but this performance pushed boundaries further than ever. Company CEO Huazhi Hu emphasized that 22,580 drones doesn't represent their upper limit—they're ready to go even bigger.

The future where cities buzz with aerial taxis and delivery drones just got a little closer, and it looks absolutely spectacular.