Drone show lights up night sky with characters from classic Chinese animation TV series

[Video/Shanghai Baoshan Media Center]

A live show integrating drone formation performance and fireworks lit up the night sky at Wusongkou in Baoshan district, Shanghai, on May 1, featuring the Calabash Brothers, an animated TV series created by Shanghai Animation Film Studio, which won wide acclaim after its first release in 1986.

Brilliant red and green fireworks illuminate the night sky over the Wusongkou riverside during the spectacular Calabash Brothers-themed show. [Photo/Shanghai Baoshan Media Center]

This drone and fireworks performance offered an immersive cultural and tourism feast, blending childhood memories with the riverside's scenic beauty.

Accompanied by the familiar melody of the TV series of Calabash Brothers, 2,000 drones ascended from the International Cruise Tourism Resort. A giant calabash appeared in the sky, and the seven calabash kids emerged in radiant light, marking the beginning of the performance.

A glowing drone formation of the iconic Calabash Brothers shares the sky with a vibrant, rainbow-colored fireworks display over the water. [Photo/Shanghai Baoshan Media Center]

Visitors were delighted by the clever integration of the Calabash Brothers' seven powers with Baoshan's city landmarks, such as the giant dome cinema, the Changtan Observation Tower, the Changtan Concert Hall and the Shanghai Baoshan High-speed Railway Station.

Drones light up the night sky to create a stunning glowing image of the seven Calabash Brothers standing united on a colorful lotus. [Photo/Shanghai Baoshan Media Center]

The climax featured a display of the seven-colored lotus and the Calabash Brothers standing united, forming a stunning "Brotherhood" image. The words "Fortune in Baoshan" shone brightly in the night sky, blending the classic IP's spirit with blessings for the city. Fireworks burst in sync, showering gold, red and blue hues, met with applause and admiration from the audience.

Spectacular green fireworks burst over the International Cruise Tourism Resort, captivating the large crowd gathered along the Baoshan riverside. [Photo/Shanghai Baoshan Media Center]

This 40th-anniversary-themed show by the Calabash Brothers marks a deeper integration of "IP + cultural tourism." As the "Fortune in Baoshan" lights dimmed, the 2026 Shanghai Cruise Culture and Tourism Season officially commenced, promising a series of exciting events until May 20.