The 2026 China Universities Aircraft Design Competition has brought together more than 6,000 students and teachers from over 200 universities in Zigong, southwest China. Following regional qualifying rounds, teams are competing in 12 events that test their aircraft designs through flight challenges, engineering tests and design assessments. But beyond the competition scores, what makes the experience worthwhile? CGTN speaks with student competitors about the work behind their aircraft, the people they've met and what keeps them going even when things don't go as planned.