As China’s low-altitude economy expands, drone piloting is emerging as a new career path for young people in rural areas, with many returning from cities to put their skills to work in their hometowns.

In Zigui County, Hubei Province, more than 2,700 certified drone pilots now support agricultural and other low-altitude operations. Local teams travel across the country, using drones to transport oranges, honey pomelos, pomegranates, bamboo and even solar panels in difficult terrain.

In Pinghe County, Fujian Province, a Zigui team has been using five drones to move tens of thousands of kilograms of honey pomelos each day, offering a faster and safer alternative to traditional manual labour.

The teams have also taken on emergency roles. During severe flooding in Guangxi in July, Zigui pilots delivered eight tonnes of essential supplies to stranded residents over four days.

With more than 200 low-altitude service teams, Zigui is turning its traditional labour force into a technology-driven workforce serving modern agriculture nationwide.