Lucheng Launches First Helicopter Route to Jiangxin Island, Blending History with Modern Tourism

Amid the flowing waters of the Ou River and the roar of helicopter engines, a helicopter gracefully landed on the lush lawn of Jiangxinyu Island. On the afternoon of March 13, Lucheng District in Wenzhou successfully completed the test flight of its"City Balcony-Jiangxinyu" helicopter route, marking the opening of the first"air corridor" to the iconic island.

The test flight of the"City Balcony-Jiangxin Island" helicopter route. Photograph provided by Lucheng Committee Propaganda Department.

Lucheng has a long history with low-altitude aviation. As early as 1933, Wenzhou's first civilian airport was established near Jiangxin Island, successfully launching routes to Shanghai, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Shantou, and Guangzhou.

Now, the inaugural flight ceremony of the"City Balcony-Jiangxin Island" helicopter route was held at the"City Balcony," Wenzhou's urban living room. The return of helicopters to the skies above Jiangxinyu not only signifies the successful opening of the first air route to the island but also echoes a historical memory intertwined with modern technology.

The Bell 407 helicopter used for the test flight, known for its exceptional vertical takeoff, lateral movement, hovering, and precise turning capabilities, offered passengers an immersive experience of the Ou River's shimmering waters and the scenic beauty of Jiangxinyu Island.

During the flight, the helicopter followed a preset route over the Ou River, with the iconic twin pagodas of Jiangxinyu reflecting in the ripples stirred by the rotor blades. Passengers enjoyed panoramic views of Lucheng's skyline and the natural splendor of Jiangxin Island, known as the"Island of Chinese Poetry," evoking the poetic imagery of Xie Lingyun's verse:"Clouds and sun shine together, sky and water blend in clarity."

The"Jiangxin Island-City Balcony" helicopter route, a carefully curated tourism and urban image enhancement project by Lucheng District, not only connects two of the area's most iconic landmarks but also introduces a new high-end tourism experience. Through helicopter tours, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation of Lucheng's historical charm and modern vibrancy.

The successful test flight not only validated the route's safety and feasibility but also injected new momentum into Lucheng's tourism industry. Looking ahead, the"Jiangxin Island-City Balcony" helicopter route will become a new cultural and tourism highlight for Lucheng, attracting more domestic and international visitors to experience its unique allure.(Ju Lin)