Air stunt shows by parachuters at last year's air sports festival in Laiwu, Shandong province.

More than 800 pilots and athletes from 25 regions and countries will perform and compete at the upcoming China International Air Sports Festival to be held in Laiwu, Shandong province.

The five-day event will start on Sept 24 and include an international stunt flying challenge, a parachuting championship, a simulated radio controlled flying championship and an open competition for model airplane lovers.

Visitors will have a chance to enjoy human pyramid formations and other air shows performed by parachuters and powered hang-gliders.

An aero sports equipment exhibition and a hot-air balloon flame throwing show will also be held during the event.

The equipment exhibition is expected to showcase the latest advanced airplanes and products by well-known Chinese model airplane and outdoor sporting goods manufacturers.

The fair is co-sponsored by the State General Administration of Sports and the Shandong Provincial Government, and undertaken by the Aero Sports Federation of China, Shandong Provincial Sports Administration and the Laiwu municipal government.

By Wang Qian (China Daily Shandong Bureau)

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Tania Lee