The 2019 Air Carnival took to the skies above Sheshan National Tourist Resort's Shanghai Sculpture Park, Songjiang district from Sept 21 to 24, creating new highs for the resort as it continues to develop unique tourism activities.

The four-day event, which acted as an aviation science and education platform, included sports events, exhibitions and competitions, and attracted tens of thousands of visitors, the resort said.

Highlight events included a drone race, a canoeing competition and spectacular flyover shows featuring helicopters, hydroplanes, drones and model airplanes. On the ground, visitors got to grips with all things aviation across interactive exhibitions.

"The 2019 Air Carnival gathered many premium industrial resources and presented amazing shows to visitors," said Chen Long, the resort's deputy executive director.

"Sheshan National Tourist Resort is the only place in Shanghai that has approved airspace for flying helicopters, hydroplanes, drones and model airplanes," Chen said.

The resort's administration said they hope events such as this will bring more knowledge and fun to ordinary people, making aviation-themed tourism gain altitude in Shanghai.

"The carnival featured various scientific and educational programs which broadened our horizons," said Li Xiang, a resident of Shanghai.

The 2019 Air Carnival is part of Songjiang Tourism Festival celebrations that run from Sept 15 to Oct 8. A series of celebration activities will be held during the National Day holiday to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.