Recently, a science popularization micro-drama “Skyway Builders”, inspired by the real scientific research journey of SEU’s “Kunpeng-1” Flying Car Research Team, 

was officially launched on the “China Science Communication” platform. The series is also simultaneously available on WeChat Channels, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu.

On December 12, 2025, the “Skyway Builders”, produced by the Science Popularization Department of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and 

co-produced by the Jiangsu Science Popularization Service Center and the Nanjing Film Association, was officially released on the “China Science Communication” platform. 

This micro-drama offers the public an immersive science popularization experience, blending cutting-edge technology with cinematic art, and marks a new breakthrough in 

China’s science communication in the digital and film sectors.

As a key science popularization innovation project incubated under the “China Science Communication” brand by CAST, the creation and production of “Skyway Builders” 

have brought together professional expertise from industry, academia, research, and media, showcasing the high production standards of a national-level science 

popularization project. The micro-drama, with the real scientific research journey of SEU’s “Kunpeng-1” Flying Car Research Team as its creative prototype, was jointly 

created by the production team of “The Piano in the Flames”, which has extensive experience in film production, and Qiyuan Technology, a professional institution in the 

field of virtual filming. This collaboration formed a three-dimensional creative matrix combining "scientific research support + film production + technological empowerment."

In terms of storytelling, “Skyway Builders” is set in the year 2050, with the story’s setting precisely located at the Flying Car Research Institute of Southeast University in 

Nanjing, constructing a story world that balances a strong sense of science fiction with a solid grounding in reality. The drama follows the“Cloud Wing” research team, led 

by Jiang Yuan. They tackle challenges in developing core flying car technologies, overcoming key bottlenecks like redundant systems and biomimetic algorithms. The team 

also engages in intense technological and strategic rivalry with international tech conglomerate “Dome”. Many critical plot points are based on real technological explorations 

from the development of SEU’s “Kunpeng-1.” The portrayal of future transportation scenarios, such as integrated land and air traffic management and intelligent obstacle 

avoidance, incorporates the research team’s scientific vision for the low-altitude economy, achieving an organic fusion of real-world technology and prospects.

Through delicate emotional expression and professional character portrayal, the actors vividly shape the image of researchers who are dedicated, innovative, and deeply 

committed to national responsibility. Director Xu Zhu uses a tight narrative rhythm and montage filming techniques, making complex technological content accessible to a 

general audience. As a result, the micro-drama is not only thought-provoking but also highly enjoyable.

As the first domestic science popularization micro-drama focusing on the field of flying cars, “Skyway Builders” achieves dual innovation in both production technology and 

communication philosophy, setting a new benchmark for the creation of science popularization content. In terms of technology, AI rendering is used to create immersive sci-fi 

scenes, transforming abstract technological concepts, such as integrated land and air flight and distributed electric propulsion, into visually intuitive cinematic imagery. 

Meanwhile, the production team integrates XR/AR virtual filming technology to construct a 1:1 replica of a research and development laboratory scene, allowing actors to 

interact with technological equipment in a virtual environment. This not only improves shooting efficiency but also enhances the realism and technological feel of the scenes.

From a creative perspective, “Skyway Builders” establishes a dual review mechanism involving “technology advisors + science popularization departments,” ensuring the 

scientific accuracy of its content. SEU’s “Kunpeng-1” flying car research team was deeply involved throughout the creation process, providing professional support from 

technical principle explanations to storyline logic design. In addition, the series includes detailed explanations at the end of each episode on professional topics such as 

power system redundancy mechanisms, distributed electric drive technology, and air traffic management regulations. This ensures that each technological concept is 

conveyed to the audience with accuracy and rigor, achieving a genuine integration of scientific integrity and artistic expression.

Source: Nanjing Daily

Translated by: Melody Zhang

Proofread by: Gao Min

Edited by: Li Xinchang