An aerobatics performance is staged during the 2023 Taiyuan International General Aviation Expo. [Photo provided to goshanxi.com.cn] 

The 2023 Taiyuan International General Aviation Expo took place in Taiyuan, capital of North China's Shanxi province, from Sept 28 to 30.

With the theme of "building a demonstrative province for general aviation and promoting the development of the aviation industry", the expo featured four key sections - an aviation forum, static and dynamic display, public experience, and nine special activities. 

During the highly-anticipated international aerobatics display, five international flying teams from countries including Sweden, Australia, and South Africa thrilled the audience with their breathtaking performances. 

In the exhibition areas dedicated to the aviation industry, Shanxi's distinctive aviation, emergency rescue, and national defense equipment, as well as a diverse range of aircraft and aviation equipment, showcased the industry's latest achievements, and shed light on future trends.

Visitors experience a helicopter exhibit at the expo. [Photo provided to goshanxi.com.cn] 

General aviation refers to civil aviation activities other than public air transport, including agricultural and forestry operations, emergency rescue, scientific experiments, and tourism. 

Shanxi is the birthplace of general aviation in China. As of the end of August this year, it had transported nearly 30,000 passengers on short-haul air routes. Shanxi ranks first in the country in terms of the density of short-haul aviation routes and second in terms of the number of routes, flight volume, and transportation volume. 

Since being designated as a national demonstration province for the development of the general aviation industry, Shanxi has built an integrated full-industry chain for general aviation, ranging from research and development and manufacturing to sales and services, aviation applications, and technical training. 

The province has developed an airline economy featuring aviation logistics, manufacturing, and high-end business service industries, advanced the construction of general aviation airports, and accelerated the establishment of flight camps, flight service stations, and heliports. In addition, it has given general aviation full play in accident rescue, disaster reconnaissance, and public safety warning, and boosted aviation sports such as parachuting and paragliding.