Drones help photographers reach new heights

"Night lights bring out the true beauty of our city!" Peter Stanleigh, a Canadian living in Wuxi, posted on Facebook after seeing the video. "After more than 20 years, we still look forward to rediscovering Wuxi's hidden beauty."

The video owed thanks to the extensive 4G network coverage in Wuxi, a symbol of technological development, according to Wu.

The wireless data network is essential for the drone's operation, both in terms of control over long distances and the real-time transmission of images from the camera to the operator.

"I'm proud of my city. It is one of the best in terms of network infrastructure. It is even comparable to first-tier cities such as Beijing and Shenzhen," Wu says.

Motivated by the video's unexpected popularity, Wu says he is planning to produce more drone videos in the future to help raise the profile of his hometown.

"I hope I can show what a Chinese city is really like without any filter," he says. "And I think there is a collective effort being made."

There has been a growing number of drone pilots, amateur and professional, in recent years, due to massive interest in aerial photography.

The domestic market volume of consumer drones in China increased from 12.6 billion yuan ($1.9 billion) in 2015, to an estimated 32.6 billion yuan in 2020, according to Shenzhen-based Qianzhan Industry Research Institute.

The China Media Group got the ball rolling in 2017 with Aerial China, a documentary series, comprising 34 episodes so far, which showcases the country's landscape.

Chief director Yu Le said in a 2017 interview that the bird's-eye perspective gives viewers the experience of flight as well as a sense of freedom.

In one episode of Aerial China which aired in March 2019, footage of cherry blossoms in Yuantouzhu, a famous scenic resort in Wuxi, was sourced locally.