Wingsuit Flyers Achieve Speeds of 245 km/h! The “Flying Men” Converge at Zhaotong Dashanbao

On July 19, 2024, six wingsuit athletes, wearing specially designed flying suits, jumped one after another from a platform located 3,200 meters above sea level. As they soared through the air at speeds of 245 km/h, they performed thrilling maneuvers, including aerial spins, and made precision landings in the valley below. The breathtaking performance sent shockwaves through the audience, who could not contain their excitement. This event marked the opening of the much-anticipated 2024 “Love Wings” Zhaotong Dashanbao (Circuit) Wingsuit Flying Performance. Athletes from both domestic and international locations gathered to perform spectacular flights, delivering an adrenaline-pumping show that earned loud cheers and applause from the onlookers.

Wingsuit Flying Performance to Last 3 Days 

The wingsuit flying performance at Zhaotong Dashanbao (昭通大山包) will continue for three days, from July 19 to 21. On the first day, at around 10:00 and 15:00, five wingsuit athletes from Norway, the UK, the USA, and one from China gathered at the Zhaotong Dashanbao (Circuit) No. 2 Wingsuit Flying Platform (昭通大山包2号翼装飞行跳台). Dressed in wingsuits, the athletes performed breathtaking jumps, soaring through the skies, maneuvering between canyons, gliding through the clouds, and making daring landings near the village. The performance provided a visual feast for the audience, who were treated to moments of awe, suspense, and excitement. The air was filled with screams, gasps, and the flash of cameras, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

Event Details and Purpose

This year’s wingsuit flying performance is a continuation of the event’s tradition, following the Wingsuit Flying World Cup Finals (翼装飞行世界杯总决赛) held in Zhaotong Dashanbao (昭通大山包) in 2015 and 2016. According to a staff member from the event’s organizing committee, “It’s been 8 years since the last time this event was held in Dashanbao, and it’s great to bring the excitement back to the region.”

The event is organized by Zhaotong Aviation Tourism Group Co., Ltd. (昭通市航空旅游集团有限公司), with support from the Zhaotong Aviation Sports Association (昭通市航空运动协会) and Beijing Love Wings Sports and Culture Development Co., Ltd. (北京爱心飞翼体育文化传播发展有限公司). Over the course of three days, the performances will include two main categories: racing (竞速) and precision landing (精准着陆). The event aims to showcase the extreme sport of wingsuit flying, promote the sport to a wider audience, and raise awareness of Zhaotong’s tourism resources. Additionally, the event is designed to support the development of the low-altitude economy and help integrate culture and tourism in Zhaotong, thus boosting the region’s economy.

Zhaotong Dashanbao: A Dream Destination for Wingsuit Flyers 

Zhaotong Dashanbao (昭通大山包) is quickly becoming a hub for wingsuit flying enthusiasts, offering ideal conditions for extreme flying. According to Zhang Xiyuan (张曦元), a renowned wingsuit flyer, “Dashanbao offers a large vertical drop and numerous U-shaped valleys. The flight routes are varied, with vast open areas for flight and different levels of difficulty, making it perfect for both training and competitions. The canyon views are also breathtaking, making it an excellent destination for professional wingsuit flyers.”

Xu Kai (徐凯), the committee leader for this year’s performance and widely recognized as the “Father of Wingsuit Flying” in China, explained, “The natural resources in Dashanbao, including the drop, wind, terrain, and climate, are truly unique. It is one of the best wingsuit flying venues in China, and it’s ranked among the top worldwide.” Dashanbao has been certified by the International Wingsuit Flying Organization (国际翼装飞行组织) as the world’s highest-speed highway access wingsuit flying base, cementing its status as a dream destination for wingsuit flying enthusiasts globally.

Wingsuit Flying: A Growing Extreme Sport 

Wingsuit flying involves athletes wearing specially designed flying suits and parachuting gear, leaping from various heights, such as planes, skyscrapers, hot air balloons, cliffs, or bridges. Once airborne, the flyer uses body control and aerodynamics to steer through the sky at high speeds. Wingsuit flying is known for its exhilarating speed, with some athletes reaching over 200 km/h (200公里每小时) during their flights.

Wingsuit flying began in China in 2012 and has rapidly gained popularity, with many skydivers joining the ranks of wingsuit flyers. The sport has seen the rise of many young and talented athletes, further fueling its growth and expanding its appeal to extreme sports enthusiasts.

As the sport continues to develop, events like the Zhaotong Dashanbao Wingsuit Flying Performance  are helping to raise awareness and increase the sport’s popularity both in China and internationally.