On March 21, the second 2026 Liuyang Weekend Fireworks Show lit up the sky above Sky Theater in dazzling fashion.

Presented by Liuyang Flying Eagle Fireworks Co., Ltd., the show was built around the life journey of an eagle, unfolding through five thematic chapters — Birth, Glory, Flame, Connection, and Fusion. By deeply integrating drone formations with fireworks artistry, the performance offered audiences an immersive celebration of Eastern aesthetics.

As night fell over the Liuyang River, the first chapter opened with the story of a young eagle breaking into dawn. Drone formations slowly rose into the sky, outlining a bird’s nest and a chick emerging from its shell. Moments later, golden fireworks burst like spreading wings, joining the drones to portray the young eagle’s growth and first desire to soar.

The second chapter, “Vast Skies”, expanded the story upward. Golden and green fireworks streaked across the sky like meteors, tracing elegant arcs overhead. At the same time, drones formed the image of a giant eagle flying high above Liuyang, its glowing wings flashing in rhythm with the fireworks, as if cutting through the wind in full flight.

In the third chapter, “Painting the East with Fire”, drones sketched the silhouette of a traditional Chinese pavilion in the night sky. With its sweeping eaves and classical outline glowing above, it was beautifully echoed by fan-shaped fireworks in pink and purple below, creating a scene rich in Chinese elegance.

The fourth chapter, “One Light Across the Four Seas,” brought the show to its dramatic climax. A 380-meter giant phoenix appeared to rise from the flames. As its wings spread, red fireworks erupted in fiery brilliance before gradually shifting into flowing gold. Beneath the phoenix, symmetrically arranged red-and-gold fireworks rolled forward like waves, symbolizing the rise and radiance of Eastern strength.

The final chapter, “Colorful Liuyang River,” pushed the atmosphere to its peak. Drone formations transformed into the Goddess of Fireworks, gracefully scattering blossoms across the sky. Colored lights drifted downward like stardust, while more than 600 mid- and low-altitude “Blue Dream” fireworks bloomed one after another, rippling like the waters of the Liuyang River below. Together they created a breathtaking vision of “a galaxy in the sky, the Liuyang River on earth.”

“How to create a stronger emotional connection between fireworks and the audience is something we keep exploring in our design,” said Chen Zhiyi, chief display designer at Liuyang Flying Eagle Fireworks.

Unlike earlier shows that focused more on visual impact alone, this performance placed greater emphasis on storytelling and immersion.

“This time, we didn’t simply layer drones and fireworks together,” Chen explained. “We wanted them to tell a complete story as one.”

More than 2,000 drones were used throughout the show, with the eagle’s growth story serving as the narrative thread. Every drone image carried symbolic meaning, while the shapes and colors of the fireworks were carefully designed to match the emotional tone of each chapter. The creative team also invested significant effort into programming and coordinated control, ensuring precise synchronization between drone transformations and fireworks bursts in terms of both timing and altitude.

From the eagle hatching at dawn to the return of the Goddess of Fireworks, the five chapters unfolded step by step. Drones built the characters and advanced the narrative, while fireworks shaped the mood and amplified the emotion. Together, they gave static images movement and dynamic visuals a soul.

That same evening, Liuyang also hosted a mass blessing river lantern event, with 20,000 lanterns drifting along the Liuyang River. Carrying visitors’ wishes and hopes, the floating lights shimmered in harmony with the fireworks above, adding another layer of poetic beauty to the night.

In recent years, Liuyang fireworks have continued to push the boundaries of creative expression, evolving from traditional displays into a diversified track of “fireworks + drones” and “fireworks + cultural storytelling.” With technology empowering traditional craftsmanship and stories giving fireworks emotional depth, Liuyang is continuing to strengthen its reputation as the place where the world looks to witness the art of fireworks.