2013上海国际模型展览会

Fancy fixed win planes, traditional exquisite ship and train models, high-power 4-by-4 race cars, speed boat with roaring engines. Radio controlled model toys are the stars of the show.

Wang Yong is a model enthusiast.

He says he thinks domestic manufacturers have made remarkable progress in recent years.

"Take multi-rotor aerocraft as an example, the products of many domestic manufacturers are way better than the overseas manufacturers. The foreign brands are more expensive and it's hard to find matching accessories. The domestic brands give you a variety of choice. Plus some of the control systems made by Chinese enterprises are also better."

Despite the rise of Chinese manufacturers, foreign brands are still showing their mark.

Dan Rodawig is the director of international business development with Horizon Hobby, a US radio control model manufacturer.

"The Chinese market is really important for us because the Asian market in general is under served by our products right now. We believe it's an opportunity for Asia in general. But the China market has this incredibly large potential just the economics behind the size the magnitude of the market is huge, so we choose to first start in China. And then from China we will develop the Asian market in general."

Gu Chen is the deputy director of Chinese Airplane Model Association.

He says playing with model aerocraft used to be unthinkable in China.

"Nowadays, many parents hope their children can be capable. They cultivate their children's DIY ability by introducing them models. But buying them toys is just playing. Only when they are interested in basic knowledge like aerodynamics, mechanics, classification of materials and radio communication can the children really be self-motivated to learn sciences."

Here in China, model aircraft aren't only for the young.

They're also for the young-at-heart.

66-year old Yang Bugen travelled to Shanghai from Changzhou to take part in the show.

"We senior people like to buy different parts, accessories and DIY our own models. We even make our own control systems. This hobby makes us think and practices the collaboration of brain and hands. It's a good hobby to prevent dementia, which is a typical disease for the senior."

This year's exhibition has attracted more than 200 model manufacturers from over 30 countries and regions.

For CRI, I am Liu Min.