Hongqi Tian Gong Concept: A Leap into Urban Air Mobility
Hongqi surprises at Beijing Auto Show with the Tian Gong concept, a VTOL flying vehicle. Explore its futuristic design, autonomous features, and Hongqi's shift to urban air mobility.
At the Beijing auto show, Hongqi made an unexpected move by unveiling the Tian Gong concept—a futuristic vehicle with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. This is no longer just a car; it's the brand's attempt to enter the urban air mobility segment.
The concept is designed as a compact capsule with a smooth, glossy body and four rotors at the corners. The design is quite minimalist, focusing heavily on aerodynamics and advanced technology.
Journalists from Tarantas.News note that Hongqi is effectively signaling a strategic shift—the company is no longer confining itself to conventional cars and is exploring new directions. This move looks logical given the decline in sales. After a demand drop in 2026, the brand has been actively experimenting with formats and technologies in an effort to enter new segments.
The key feature of the Tian Gong is its ability to take off and land vertically, making it similar to modern eVTOL concepts. The cabin is fully enclosed, with panoramic glass and an emphasis on autonomous driving. Visually, it resembles a cross between a drone and a premium transport capsule. The front end follows Hongqi's signature styling, with a distinctive light line running across the body.
Journalists point out that the project is clearly aimed at autonomous transport and integration into future urban ecosystems. Despite being a concept, the Tian Gong shows just how far Hongqi is willing to go in searching for new niches. The brand, with history since 1958 starting as a maker of cars for the party elite, is now striving to become a technology company.