In a landmark development for urban air mobility, EHang Holdings Limited, a global leader in autonomous aerial vehicle technology, is spearheading the transformation of Guizhou’s tourism sector through its innovative EH216-S pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

On June 30, 2025, EHang announced a significant purchase order for 50 EH216-S units from Guizhou Scenic Tourism Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Guizhou Tourism Group, to enhance low-altitude tourism and sightseeing services across the province’s scenic areas.

Concurrently, EHang has forged a strategic partnership with the Management Committee of Anshun City’s Economic and Technological Development Zone, aiming to establish a flagship model for technology-enabled cultural tourism and bolster Guizhou’s burgeoning low-altitude economy.

Strategic partnership for low-altitude innovation

EHang’s collaboration with Guizhou Scenic and the Anshun government represents a pivotal step in integrating cutting-edge eVTOL technology into China’s rapidly evolving low-altitude economy. The EH216-S, a two-seater autonomous aircraft powered by 16 electric rotors, is designed to provide safe, eco-friendly, and efficient aerial mobility solutions. With a maximum range of 30 kilometers and a top speed of 130 kilometers per hour, the aircraft is ideally suited for short-range tourism and sightseeing applications.

This order follows EHang’s earlier successes, including securing the world’s first type certificate, production certificate, and standard airworthiness certificate for a pilotless eVTOL from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in 2023 and 2024, marking a global milestone in autonomous aviation.

The partnership with Anshun City leverages the region’s robust aerospace infrastructure and supportive policies to create a model for low-altitude economic development. Anshun, designated as a demonstration zone for Guizhou’s low-altitude economy, is poised to become a hub for advanced air mobility, with initiatives spanning aircraft research and development, component manufacturing, and operational testing.

This collaboration aligns with the Guizhou Provincial Government’s Three-Year Action Plan for the High-Quality Development of the Low-Altitude Economy (2025–2027), which emphasizes tourism, logistics, and emergency response applications.

Guizhou’s natural and cultural assets: A perfect fit for eVTOL tourism

Guizhou’s diverse landscapes, characterized by dramatic karst mountains, lush valleys, and cultural heritage sites, provide an ideal backdrop for low-altitude tourism. The province is home to iconic destinations such as the Jiabang Rice Terraces in Congjiang, the Basha Miao Village, and Yunfeng Tunpu in Anshun, all managed by Guizhou Scenic.

These areas, often challenging to access via traditional ground transportation due to rugged terrain, stand to benefit significantly from eVTOL technology. The EH216-S offers visitors a unique aerial perspective, enhancing the tourism experience while addressing logistical challenges.

The Guizhou Tourism Group, a key player in the province’s tourism sector, is committed to positioning Guizhou as a world-class travel destination. By integrating EH216-S aircraft into its operations, the group aims to offer immersive sightseeing experiences that highlight the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

For example, a 10-minute aerial tour over the Jiabang Rice Terraces could provide tourists with breathtaking views of cascading fields, previously accessible only through arduous treks. This initiative not only enhances visitor satisfaction but also promotes sustainable tourism by reducing the environmental impact of ground-based travel.

Anshun: A hub for low-altitude innovation

Anshun City’s designation as a demonstration zone for Guizhou’s low-altitude economy underscores its strategic importance. The city boasts a well-established aerospace supply chain, robust infrastructure, and comprehensive policy support, making it an ideal location for EHang’s operations. The partnership with EHang will facilitate the development of vertiports dedicated takeoff and landing zones and other infrastructure to support eVTOL operations.

According to the Guizhou Provincial Government’s 2025 Work Report, the province plans to establish over 200 low-altitude flight service airports by 2025, with Anshun at the forefront of this expansion.

This collaboration extends beyond tourism to include research and development, component manufacturing, and operational trials. By attracting high-end talent and fostering innovation, Anshun aims to become a global leader in low-altitude technology. The partnership will also explore applications in logistics and emergency response, aligning with the province’s goal of creating a multifaceted low-altitude economy.

Economic and environmental impacts

The deployment of EH216-S aircraft in Guizhou is expected to have significant economic and environmental benefits. Economically, the low-altitude tourism initiative is projected to create high-value jobs in technology, aviation, and hospitality.

A 2024 report by the Hurun Research Institute estimates that China’s low-altitude economy could nearly double in value to 3 trillion yuan by 2035, driven by innovations in tourism and logistics. In Guizhou, the influx of tourists drawn by novel aerial experiences could boost local economies, particularly in remote areas.

Environmentally, the EH216-S’s electric propulsion system offers a sustainable alternative to traditional helicopters and ground vehicles. With zero direct emissions and lower noise levels, eVTOLs align with global trends toward greener transportation. EHang’s partnership with Gotion High-Tech, announced on June 18, 2025, aims to enhance the EH216-S’s battery performance, increasing its range and reliability while maintaining environmental efficiency.

Case study: Wencheng’s low-altitude tourism success

A precedent for Guizhou’s initiative can be found in Wencheng County, Zhejiang Province, where EHang delivered 27 EH216-S units in June 2024 for a low-altitude tourism program. The aircraft conducted passenger-carrying flights over Tianding Lake and Baizhangji Fall, offering stunning views of the region’s natural beauty.

Wencheng’s success, marked by full payment for a 30-unit order and plans for 270 additional units by 2026, demonstrates the viability of eVTOL tourism in mountainous regions. This case study provides a blueprint for Guizhou, highlighting the potential for scalable, high-impact tourism applications.

Voices of leadership

Changpeng Yang, Secretary of Anshun City, emphasized the strategic importance of the low-altitude economy, stating, “China’s accelerated focus on this sector positions Anshun as a key player in creating a thriving industrial cluster. By integrating EHang’s technology with Guizhou’s natural and cultural assets, we aim to set a national benchmark for sustainable economic development.”

Yusheng Meng, Deputy General Manager of Guizhou Tourism Group, added, “The EH216-S introduces a transformative dimension to our tourism offerings. Its ability to provide unparalleled aerial experiences will elevate Guizhou’s status as a global tourism destination, driving both economic growth and cultural preservation.”

Zhao Wang, EHang’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the broader implications of the partnership: “This order is a testament to the market’s confidence in the low-altitude economy. Guizhou’s challenging terrain and rich tourism resources make it an ideal proving ground for eVTOL applications, from sightseeing to logistics. We are committed to delivering safe, innovative, and sustainable solutions that redefine regional mobility.”

Challenges and future prospects

Despite its promise, the low-altitude economy faces challenges, including regulatory complexities, infrastructure development, and public acceptance. According to a 2025 Roland Berger report, eVTOL aircraft must undergo rigorous safety testing in diverse conditions before achieving widespread urban integration. Guizhou’s initiative addresses these challenges by focusing on less populated scenic areas, allowing for controlled testing and gradual scaling.

Looking ahead, EHang’s global expansion efforts provide context for Guizhou’s ambitions. The company has conducted over 50,000 flight hours across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, including a successful passenger-carrying flight in Indonesia in 2025. These achievements underscore the EH216-S’s reliability and versatility, positioning Guizhou as a potential leader in the global low-altitude tourism market.

Economic and environmental development

EHang’s partnership with Guizhou Scenic and Anshun City marks a transformative step in the evolution of China’s low-altitude economy. By deploying the EH216-S eVTOL aircraft, this initiative not only enhances Guizhou’s tourism sector but also sets a precedent for sustainable, technology-driven economic development.

With robust government support, advanced infrastructure, and a commitment to innovation, Guizhou is poised to become a global benchmark for low-altitude tourism, offering visitors unparalleled experiences while driving economic and environmental progress.

EHang continues to explore the boundaries of the sky to make flying technologies benefit our life in smart cities. For more information, please visit www.ehang.com.