Liuyang Drone And Fireworks Display Sets Guinness World Record

There are firework displays… and then there’s this. On 17th October 2025, the skies over Liuyang in China’s Hunan Province lit up like something straight out of a sci-fi film, as almost 16,000 drones and thousands of fireworks came together to smash not one but two Guinness World Records.

The spectacle, part of the annual Liuyang Fireworks Festival, pulled in millions of viewers both in person and online, cementing the city’s reputation as the “fireworks capital of China.” And to be fair, when your light show involves the sky turning into a glowing “Sky Tree” and a cascade of liquid gold fireworks, it’s not hard to see why.

A Record-Breaking Light Show

The main event saw 15,947 drones take flight at once, all controlled by a single computer. That alone set a new world record, obliterating the previous benchmark of 10,197 drones.

But Liuyang didn’t stop there. A second event — held earlier the same day — saw 7,496 drones launch fireworks simultaneously, setting another Guinness World Record. It was a first-of-its-kind display on this scale, proving that drone technology and traditional pyrotechnics can combine into something genuinely spectacular.

According to local reports, the night was dubbed Liuyang’s “love letter of light” to the world — a theme that translated into a visually stunning performance. The drones formed a gigantic illuminated tree, swirling into a flower before golden fireworks poured down like a waterfall of liquid light. It was one of those displays that made even the most seasoned pyromaniacs sit up a bit straighter.

Liuyang: Fireworks Capital Of China

Liuyang is no stranger to putting on a show. Known worldwide for its centuries-old fireworks tradition, the city regularly attracts tens of thousands of visitors for its large-scale displays. In fact, over 160,000 people reportedly travelled there earlier this year just for its New Year celebrations.

Every Saturday evening, the city hosts creative pyrotechnic events — but this particular night went down in history. By combining cutting-edge drone technology with traditional craftsmanship, the festival showed how the art of fireworks is evolving.

The display, themed “A Firework Belonging to Me,” was designed by Shenzhen’s Gaoju Innovation in collaboration with Liuyang’s local firework makers. Their idea? Swap gunpowder for programming — or at least complement it — blending the beauty of traditional displays with the precision of tech.

Technology Meets Tradition

This Guinness World Record display wasn’t just about numbers. It was a showcase of how drone technology can transform the way we experience fireworks.

Unlike traditional displays where the fireworks alone tell the story, the drones created shifting 3D shapes that added a new layer of spectacle. Imagine a tree slowly blooming in the sky, each drone a pixel in a vast digital painting, followed by cascades of real fireworks bursting below it. It’s the kind of thing you’d expect to see in a big-budget film rather than a night over Hunan.

But while the drones added the wow factor, fireworks remained central to the performance. That fusion of old and new is exactly what made the event so memorable — and why it’s being talked about around the world.

A Global Trend In Record-Breaking Firework Displays

Liuyang’s record-breaking feat joins a growing list of pyrotechnic spectacles pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Around the globe, event organisers are blending traditional fireworks with modern technology like drones, lasers and music synchronisation to create unforgettable displays.

In recent years, we’ve covered plenty of record-breaking fireworks stories on our blog — from the world’s biggest single firework shell to jaw-dropping New Year’s Eve spectacles and city-wide drone-light shows. If you love fireworks as much as we do, this is very much your sort of thing.

Responsible Spectacle And Innovation

It’s worth noting that large-scale drone and firework displays like Liuyang’s are also prompting interesting conversations in the pyrotechnics world. Drones can help shape cleaner, more controlled visual displays, while fireworks bring the energy, drama and cultural heritage that drones alone can’t quite match.

That blend may well shape the future of large celebrations — and it’s a future that still keeps fireworks at its heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What record did Liuyang set with its drone and fireworks display?

Liuyang set two Guinness World Records: one for launching 15,947 drones simultaneously and another for 7,496 drones launching fireworks at the same time.

Where did the event take place?

The display took place in Liuyang, Hunan Province, China — widely known as the country’s “fireworks capital.”

Who organised the record-breaking show?

The event was created by Shenzhen’s Gaoju Innovation in partnership with local fireworks makers in Liuyang.

How many people watched the show?

Millions watched online, and huge crowds gathered locally. The festival typically attracts over 160,000 visitors each year.

Why was the display so special?

It combined massive-scale drone technology with traditional fireworks, creating a 3D aerial performance unlike anything seen before.

Are drones replacing fireworks?

Not entirely. Drones offer new creative possibilities, but fireworks remain an irreplaceable part of celebrations for their sound, light, and atmosphere.

Keep Up With Record-Breaking Firework Events

If stories like this get your pulse racing, you’re in good company. At Epic Fireworks, we keep a close eye on the biggest, boldest, and record-breaking displays from around the world — and share them right here on our blog dedicated to all things fireworks.

From the world’s largest aerial shell to history-making New Year’s displays, we’ve covered some absolute jaw-droppers.

Because whether it’s 16,000 drones, a mile-high shell, or a garden display that gets the neighbours talking, nothing quite beats the thrill of a good fireworks show.

You Don’t Need 16,000 Drones to Wow a Crowd

While Liuyang might have stolen the global spotlight this time, you don’t need a sky full of drones to make a night unforgettable. 

Here at Epic Fireworks, we’re your go-to for everything you need to put on an awesome fireworks display. Whether it’s for Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali, or any special occasion, we’ve got you covered with the biggest range of the UK's most powerful consumer fireworks, from sparklers and fountains to show-stopping barrages and rockets.

Looking for something easy but still impressive? Our DIY firework display packs come with everything you need to create a stunning show, with easy-to-follow instructions to help you fire like a pro. Plus, our fireworks are up to 5 times more powerful than supermarket fireworks so you'll be getting more bang for your buck, literally!

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