A drone-racing competition has arrived at the Chinese capital. And when the race crosses paths with the Great Wall, it provides as much of a visual impact as a cultural one.  

Drone racing is gaining popularity around the world. On August 10th and 11th, China is welcoming for the first time the world-famous Drone Champions League, or DCL, race. 10 teams are competing at the foot of the Great Wall. A fascinating clash between the ancient and the modern.

HERBERT WEIRATHER FOUNDER, DRONE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE "The Drone Champions League has a form of going to iconic locations. We've been in Paris on the Champs-Élysées, we've been in Munich in the Olympic Park and so on. So the Great Wall in China, perfect fits for us as we think it's one of the most beautiful places. The race track here in China is very 3 dimensional. We make a lot of ups and downs, which is very interesting for the pilots also what makes it tricky also for them. The cool thing is we can fly up to 20 meters, which is quite unusual."

Though it seems like a game with the fancy goggles and remote control, it is actually a cut-throat sport. Audiences are required to stay under the safety net for protection, in case a drone crash happens. With a maximum speed of over 140 kilometers per hour, this happens more often than you'd think, even in the hands, or rather thumbs, of these masters. Still, for the pilots, some as young as 13, enjoyment is all that matters.

JAKUB TOMAN ROTORAMA TEAM MEMBER "It's for fun, for us all, my teammates, for fun. We really enjoy it. Plus in here, it's even better then. China looks awesome. When you think of the Great Wall and this place, it looks awesome."

Compared to other types of racing, the entry barrier for drone racing is quite low and the excitement is high. 3D tracks and hologram lenses make every race a new experience for the players and the audience. Developing drones may be a top priority for China, but as the country hosts more and more world-class drone races like the DCL, maybe it's better to simply have fun and enjoy the technology.