Ahead of the airshow getting underway, one of the world's leading aerobatic display teams, the Red Arrows, took to the skies on Thursday afternoon for their first ever display in China.

Showcasing the speed, agility and precision of the UK Royal Air Force, the Red Arrows wowed audiences with all kinds of formations at their first display in China.

It's the largest overseas deployment for a decade, and the team has been preparing well.

There are more than 120 people in the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, made up of pilots, engineers and essential support staff. The British government says the colourful, dynamic aerial displays of precision, formation aerobatics are a vivid showcase of British engineering, teamwork and creativity.

Since 1964, the Red Arrows have performed over 4,800 shows in 56 countries, making them one of the best-known aerobatic teams in the world. These pilots hope their performance will generate more interests towards aerospace and aviation among young Chinese.

While they are in China they will visit schools and universities, hoping to inspire the next generation of pilots and engineers.

The Red Arrows will perform nine displays at the six-day airshow in Zhuhai. And there'll be more stunning aerobatics by teams from China, Russia and other major countries, in front of thousands of spectators.