The 2021 China Aeromodelling Design Challenge was held in Fuxin city, northeast China's Liaoning Province from Oct. 13 to 19, attracting over 1,700 competitors from more than 70 universities and colleges across the country.

Fuxin, known for its plentiful mineral resources, boasts a long history of coal mining dating back to 1898. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, it served as one of the country's main sources of coal for industrial use.

As mine resources deplete, the local government has vigorously promoted the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry, established an intelligent unmanned system industry base in Haizhou District. Meanwhile, various aviation-related competitions have been held here, attracting UAV enthusiasts to share their latest inventions.

After being listed as China's first resource-exhausted city to undergo pilot transformation in 2001, the local government had been seeking new ways to rejuvenate the old mines and flourish new industries. With arduous efforts, the local environment has improved.

Teams participate in the opening ceremony of the 2021 China Aeromodelling Design Challenge final in Fuxin, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 13, 2021.  (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

A helicopter model performs during the opening ceremony of the 2021 China Aeromodelling Design Challenge final in Fuxin, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 13, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Competitors prepare their aircraft model during the final of the 2021 China Aeromodelling Design Challenge in Fuxin, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 13, 2021.  (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Participants pose for a group photo during the opening ceremony of the 2021 China Aeromodelling Design Challenge final in Fuxin, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 13, 2021.  (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

A helicopter model performs during the opening ceremony of the 2021 China Aeromodelling Design Challenge final in Fuxin, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 13, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)