Two leading Chinese companies - BYD, a top electric vehicle manufacturer, and DJI, the world's premier drone maker - jointly unveiled the world's first integrated vehicle-mounted drone system Ling Yuan on Sunday.
This makes BYD the first automaker globally to mass-produce cars equipped with onboard drone technology.
Drivers in BYD cars with integrated drones can launch them with a single click to film road trips, monitor traffic, or assist in emergency situations.
"The cooperation between BYD and DJI is not about simply placing a drone on a vehicle, but about rebooting vehicle design from the ground up, achieving deep fusion between the car and the drone," said Wang Chuanfu, chairman and CEO of the BYD Group.
Industry observers see this as a bold step in integrating digital and automotive technologies, opening new possibilities for smart mobility and aerial applications.
"This is a cross-industry collaboration between the digital and automotive sectors, which is incredibly cool," said Yu Long, a tech blogger.
This project drew from a joint innovation fund of 200 million yuan, or 27.5 million U.S. dollars, involving 2,000 engineers across 185 research and development breakthroughs.
"We're seeing a new trend in Chinese enterprises. That is a shift from isolated operations to collaborative innovations among Chinese enterprises. This trend reflects growing confidence among major firms and marks a promising start," said Cao Zhongxiong, assistant president of the China Development Institute.
BYD and DJI's groundbreaking vehicle-mounted drone system showcases the soaring ambitions of China's private sector, offering drivers thrilling new perspectives and hinting at a future where technology transcends earthly boundaries.
BYD and DJI launch world's first vehicle-mounted drone system
The China Media Group (CMG) on Thursday unveiled a set of four vibrant mascots for its 2026 Spring Festival Gala, one of the premier television events on China's entertainment calendar, heralding the upcoming Year of the Horse with wishes of vitality and ambition.
The Chinese lunar year for 2026 is the Year of the Horse and will begin on February 17, 2026.
Horse is one of the most dynamic and spirited in the 12-animal Chinese zodiac cycle, representing strength, perseverance, and unstoppable momentum.
The four mascots take their names from the Chinese expression -- "Qi Ji Chi Cheng" -- meaning "Galloping steed, Onward unstoppable", which is also the theme of the upcoming gala.
Inspired by classic representations of horses across different periods of Chinese history, the mascots are adorned with classic elements of traditional Chinese clouds and thunder.
The design is a reflection of the spirit of renewal and progress in the new year.
Qiqi, a dark-colored horse, features a vigorous posture, fully embodying the forward-looking and ambitious spirit.
Jiji, a horse spreading wings to soar through the clouds in pursuit of the sun, represents a spirit of striving and upward momentum.
Chichi has a tied-up tail, fully displaying a demeanor of confidence and composure.
The image of Chengcheng was inspired by Przewalski's horse. As the only surviving wild horse species on Earth, it is known as a "living genetic fossil" with a 60-million-year evolutionary history.
Being robust and agile, Chengcheng showcases the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
The Spring Festival Gala, or Chunwan, hosted by CMG has been an essential part of Chinese New Year celebrations since 1983, featuring an elaborate mix of performances such as songs, dances, comic sketches, traditional operas, and folk arts.
The annual spectacle, known as the most-watched television program in the world, is broadcast on the eve of the Chinese New Year, when families come together to ring in the new lunar year.
This year's Spring Festival Eve will meet global viewers on Feb 16, 2026.
China Media Group unveils mascots for 2026 Spring Festival Gala
