Quick answer
Shanghai is not one citywide no-fly zone. Its municipal government published a revised 2026 official map: designated green airspace below a true height of 120 m is suitable for qualifying micro, light and small drones. Other areas are controlled airspace, and a flight there generally requires permission. Government analysis reports suitable areas cover 57% of Shanghai's land area — not 57% of attractions, tourist districts or locations a visitor might actually want to film. Check the official 2026 notice and map.
The official 2026 map — don't guess from neighborhood names
The municipal notice (沪府发〔2026〕12号) defines the green mapped areas under 120 m for micro, light and small drones, and says all remaining airspace is controlled. The same 2026 publication replaces the 2025 notice. Use the official UOM platform and Shanghai's local service map to verify your exact point, not a social-media map screenshot.
A green area is not automatically a lawful takeoff site. You must still check your aircraft category, legal registration, temporary controls, private property and attraction-specific regulations.
How to check and report in Suishenban
Shanghai's official service uses the 随申办 (Suishenban) app. Its government explainer identifies this route:
- Open Suishenban and search 无人机飞行服务 (drone flight services).
- Choose 添加无人机 (add UAV), and provide the required aircraft information.
- Open the airspace map, search the actual takeoff location, and confirm which designation and altitude apply.
- For an activity needing filing or approval, open 我要飞行 (I want to fly) and follow the service's flight submission steps. The government says controlled-airspace submissions ordinarily must be made before 12:00 the preceding day, with review results by 21:00, subject to the exact scenario and current workflow.
- For an ordinary qualifying activity in published suitable airspace, the local interim measures say an ATC flight-activity application is not normally needed. However, the pilot must still check the airspace before takeoff, and statutory exceptions can require an application.
Three public experience areas
Shanghai announced three public drone experience areas: World Expo Culture Park (世博文化公园), Century Park (世纪公园) and Shanghai Botanical Garden (上海植物园). Their use depends on the current park reservation option, available flight times and conditions; the city explains that some experience-zone sessions require booking through Suishenban. The existence of an experience area is not a blanket permission to fly throughout the park.
For another attraction, park, hotel roof or riverside location, verify its own rules and the precise airspace instead of inferring that a famous photo spot is legal.
Temporary event restrictions can override the ordinary map
Temporary restrictions are material in Shanghai. For example, the city published event-linked controlled airspace around WorldSkills 2026 venues for September 20–27, 2026. This was a dated control, not a permanent October-wide ban. Similar government notifications may apply during expos, conferences and large events.
Check Shanghai municipal notices and Suishenban again on your actual flight day; an airspace screenshot saved weeks earlier is insufficient.
Before you take off: the five-point checklist
- Is your drone real-name registered on CAAC UOM?
- Which micro/light/small class actually applies, based on legal classification rather than marketing name?
- Is your exact point within the current green designated area, and is the planned true height under 120 m?
- Is there a local venue restriction or temporary government notice?
- If flight permission or an experience-zone reservation is necessary, do you have a confirmed result? Filing a request is not equivalent to approval.
For national basics, use the official UOM airspace checking guide and registration versus flight approval.
Common questions
Can I fly a DJI Mini in Shanghai without applying?
A qualifying micro/light/small drone flight in the official suitable airspace normally needs no separate ATC flight-activity application, but the location, height, registration and any exceptions still matter.
Can I fly at the Bund or People's Square?
Do not assume so from the citywide 57% statistic. Check the exact location on the official map and the applicable venue or public-space rules.
Is the 2025 Shanghai drone map still current?
No. The 2026 government notice superseded the prior 2025 airspace publication.
What if I cannot complete the Suishenban verification?
Do not treat an incomplete application as approval. Save the exact error and verify the official local support path before scheduling a controlled-airspace flight.