Chinese smart travel products captivated visitors at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, showcasing how China-developed travel tools are redefining future mobility.
The four-day show, considered the world's premier annual technology event, is set to conclude Friday after attracting over 4,500 exhibitors from more than 155 countries and regions, according to organizers.
At this year's gathering, travel tools are evolving from mere transport to multifunctional mobile spaces, with Chinese products emphasizing smart systems and integrated technologies for scalable solutions as their competitive advantage.
As the industry evolves, the emergence of Chinese products as one of the leaders signals a transformative shift in the global automotive landscape, according to a Chinese exhibitor.
"The previous global technological development paths in automotive sector were defined by Western companies. We primarily executed well within their defined frameworks. Now, we are transforming into the definer of entire vehicle, and even the leader of the entire ecological synergy. This change is groundbreaking for reshaping the position of Chinese automotive companies in the global automotive supply chain," said Wu Huixiao from a Chinese automotive company.
Visitors from Germany and Canada were impressed by the rapid advancements of Chinese travel tech products, urging the industry to recognize China's progress and looking forward to these vehicles in their markets.
"I think everybody is very much surprised how fast it has happened. We've seen a significant amount of technology development with Chinese OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). We've seen a rapid increase in investment, for example in software-defined vehicles over the last three to five years. So that's something that is very commendable, very impressive," said a visitor from Germany.
"I'm really surprised by them today. It's one thing seeing them on pictures and videos. I've done some research, and then it's another seeing them in real life. I think China is absolutely killing it, and the rest of the industry should start paying attention because I'm really blown away by a lot of different options available, I see a lot of innovation, and the cars, I personally can't wait for them to come to Canada, so hopefully one day that will happen," said a visitor from Canada.
Chinese smart travel products shine at CES 2026 in Las Vegas
Chinese smart travel products shine at CES 2026 in Las Vegas
The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is emerging as a key engine for China's fast-growing low-altitude economy by leveraging its dense industrial networks, efficient logistics systems, and rapid innovation capacity.
From logistics and manufacturing to urban services, the region is building an integrated industrial chain that allows low-altitude industries to scale up at unprecedented speed, thus turning drone-based applications from isolated trials into large-scale, commercial operations.
China's 15th Five-Year Plan, covering 2026 to 2030, calls for the cultivation of new pillar industries and the accelerated development of strategic emerging industrial clusters, including the low-altitude economy.
At a drone operations center in Bao'an District, Shenzhen City in south China's Guangdong Province, a dozen logistics drones take off and land within minutes. Urgently needed production parts, documents, and small parcels are dispatched from here to cities in the province including Dongguan, Zhongshan, and Zhuhai.
Behind these high-flying aircraft lies what observers describe as an "invisible industrial chain", built on speed and efficiency.
"Look at this aircraft. About 90 percent of its components come from nearby areas. Relying on Shenzhen's strong logistics capabilities and its complete supply chain, these parts can be delivered to our factory within half an hour for assembly, processing, and production," said Li Kunhuang, person-in-charge of Shenzhen GODO Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
Once a new product is unveiled, testing and calibration begin immediately at the drone testing field. As soon as the process is completed, the new models can be put into real-world operation, realizing almost “zero delay” from research and development to application.
Supported by a robust industrial chain, low-altitude routes in Shenzhen are effectively connecting the urban landscape. From its Bao'an District to Songshan Lake in Dongguan City, production components can be delivered within one hour. Supplies are transported between Zhuhai City's Xiangzhou Port to Dong'ao Island in just 25 minutes. And light industrial goods can travel round-trip within a single day between Guzhen Town in Zhongshan City and Xinhui District in Jiangmen City.
More low-altitude application scenarios are expected to be implemented in the near future.
In Qianhai District, Shenzhen is accelerating the construction of a pilot demonstration zone of low-altitude integrated three-dimensional transportation hub.
"We have built the country's first low-altitude integrated three-dimensional transportation hub, and are gradually developing a pilot flight zone that integrates multiple scenarios such as inspection, logistics, and cultural tourism. This will provide technical support for the next step of commercializing cross-border logistics and emergency rescue services across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area," said Wu Xuemin, head of the Shenzhen Qianhai Low-Altitude Integrated Three-Dimensional Transportation Hub Pilot Demonstration Zone.
Integrated supply chains propel Greater Bay Area's low-altitude economy growth
