The Dalian Municipal People's Government has issued a notice regarding temporary restrictions on drones, other "low-altitude, slow-speed, small-size" aircraft, and airborne objects. This measure is being implemented to ensure low-altitude security around the venue for the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Third Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM3), scheduled to be held in Dalian in August 2026.
The restrictions are designed to prevent all types of illegal flight activities. The decision is based on relevant provisions of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, the Public Security Administration Punishments Law of the People's Republic of China, the Civil Aviation Law of the People's Republic of China, the General Aviation Flight Control Regulations, and the Interim Regulations on the Flight Management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Scope of Restricted Items
"Low-altitude, slow-speed, small-size" aircraft refers to flying devices with a flight altitude below 1,000 meters, a flight speed of less than 200 kilometers per hour, and a radar cross-section of less than 2 square meters. This category includes 12 types of aircraft, such as light and ultra-light aircraft (including light and ultra-light helicopters), gliders, delta-wing aircraft, powered delta-wing aircraft, manned balloons (hot air balloons), airships, parachutes, powered parachutes, UAVs (drones), model aircraft, unmanned free balloons, and tethered balloons. Airborne objects include toy hydrogen (helium) balloons, kites, and sky lanterns.
Time Period and Area
The restrictions will be in effect from 00:00 on August 16, 2026, to 24:00 on August 28, 2026. The restricted area covers the entire administrative region of Zhongshan District, Dalian City.
Enforcement Measures
During the restricted period and within the designated area, all units, organizations, and individuals are prohibited from using the aforementioned "low-altitude, slow-speed, small-size" aircraft or airborne objects for any flight or release activities. The exception is for flight missions that have been legally approved to support the meeting, such as those for television broadcasting, aerial photography, police operations, emergency rescue, and meteorological observation.
Violations of this notice will be handled in accordance with regulations such as the Interim Regulations on the Flight Management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. If an act constitutes a violation of public security administration, the public security authorities will impose a public security administration penalty. If an act constitutes a crime, criminal liability will be pursued in accordance with the law.
Individuals who observe any violations of this notice are encouraged to report them by calling the 110 police emergency number.
Dalian Municipal People's Government
August 13, 2026