Nature is the best teacher. To help more children learn about hot air balloons, experience hot air balloon culture, and get closer to nature, on November 25, the “2018 China 'Changning Shunan Bamboo Sea Hot Air Balloon Sky Flying Month'” event specially held an exciting hot air balloon family outdoor experience activity at the China Aviation Flight Camp in the Shunan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area, opening up children’s vision of understanding nature in a novel way.
At 10:00 am, the warm sunlight filtered through the morning mist and spread across the bamboo forest. Children and their parents from Yibin, Changning, and other areas arrived at the camp venue with joyful anticipation, looking forward to their first close encounter with a hot air balloon. As the children entered the camp, the huge star of the show — the hot air balloon — was already standing impressively at the venue under the pilot’s operation, catching everyone’s attention.
Next to the massive hot air balloon, a professional flight instructor who is a national-level athlete first gave a friendly, natural, flexible, and humorous introduction to some basic knowledge of aviation. The children on site were very excited, full of curiosity about hot air balloons, and actively asked the instructor questions about hot air balloon flying while listening. Later, the pilot instructor led the children in igniting the hot air balloon and even let them try operating it themselves. Each young face was filled with longing and love for the sport of hot air ballooning.
After experiencing the thrilling performance of the model aircraft, the children, led by their instructor, went to the small classroom at the flight camp to start the hot air balloon model-making experience. In addition to making models, the staff also prepared colored pens and drawing paper for the children to create their own imagined hot air balloons as part of a class assignment. These small hot air balloon models carried all the innocence and dreams of the children.
Following that, the children began the long-awaited hot air balloon tethered flight experience, embarking on a wonderful journey of viewing the beautiful bamboo sea from above!
Finally, there was a “paper airplane competition” that combined fun and competition. All participating children continuously adjusted the shape of the wings, chose takeoff angles, controlled the speed of release, and tried different methods to achieve their best flight results throughout the competition. After the contest, three children ultimately stood on the podium with outstanding achievements.
Through this event, the children gained a preliminary understanding of aviation knowledge and a certain awareness of air sports. Not only was a seed of flying planted in their hearts, but they also experienced a wonderful and unforgettable low-altitude hot air balloon journey.
The China Aviation Flight Camp is operated and promoted exclusively nationwide by Shizhi Sports under the unified guidance of the Chinese Aeronautics Sports Association. It provides aviation sports products tailored to local conditions for the public, integrating education, culture, entertainment, and scenic tourism. It is a comprehensive service hub that meets various needs such as aviation sports competitions, flight training, and leisure entertainment. Since its implementation in September 2017, the Shunan Bamboo Sea “China Aviation Flight Camp” has relied on hot air balloon-based flight experiences while incorporating thematic educational programs, forming a unique operational model. It enriches the tourism offerings of Shunan Bamboo Sea and promotes the development of the low-altitude industry in Changning, establishing it as a low-altitude tourism destination.
This hot air balloon family outdoor experience event, as part of the series of family-oriented products within the “2018 China 'Changning Shunan Bamboo Sea Hot Air Balloon Sky Flying Month'” activities, not only brought a new interactive experience for parents and children but also successfully integrated multiple industries such as “sports, tourism, family education, and low-altitude training.” It deeply connects with nationwide tourists, aviation and outdoor sports enthusiasts, local residents, as well as the Changning urban area, Shunan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area, and China Aviation Flight Camp, becoming a “heritable and expandable” sports tourism product for Changning. It is a product that embodies the city’s brand image, revenue generation, and visitor experience.
It is reported that from December 1 to 2, this hot air balloon family outdoor experience event will continue at the China Aviation Flight Camp in the Shunan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area, bringing even more exciting flying experiences to more children!
It is reported that on December 1st-2nd, this hot air balloon parent-child outdoor experience activity will continue to be held at the China Aviation Flight Camp in the Shunan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area, bringing an even more exciting flying experience to more children then.