Futuristic sci-fi models from the Nantianmen defense system, including space fighters, tactical mechs, and space factories, are drawing strong interest from visitors at the ongoing Changchun Air Show in northeast China’s Jilin Province.
The five-day 2025 aviation open day event of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, held alongside the Changchun Air Show since Sept 19, has offered free admission to the public.
The aerospace-themed sci-fi models and exhibits on display come from the "Nantianmen Project," created by Chinese aerospace companies. The project envisions a global strategic defense system composed of a large strategic airborne aircraft platform, an aerospace plane, and a tactical mechanized vehicle. The names of equipment, such as "Baidi" and "Xuannyu," are inspired by Chinese mythology.
While futuristic in appearance, the project is far from mere fantasy. Visitors can closely observe concept models from the project, participate in interactive science demonstrations, and even "pilot" futuristic aerospace planes through high-fidelity simulators.
"I think building models like the 'Xuannyu' and 'Baidi' aerospace fighters is definitely practical. Turning the advanced aircraft from science fiction into reality is really cool," said a visitor.
"I think these high-fidelity simulators are really good. They give visitors and young people who are interested in the equipment a chance to experience the feel of controlling it, while also helping them understand the efforts behind it, the efforts that are ultimately for peace," said another visitor.
Since its inception in 2017, the project has produced over half a million words of text and nearly 100 weapon and equipment design blueprints for model display. Its influence now extends into books, animation, games, and cultural and creative products.
"The plan reflects a beautiful vision of the future, because without imagination, humanity cannot progress. We hope we can inspire important designers working on our country's future industrial systems by providing them with fresh ideas," said Zhang Baoxin, an exhibitor.
Futuristic Nantianmen defense system exhibits capture interest of visitors at Changchun Air Show
