A childhood dream inspired by superhero movies has become a remarkable technological experiment for a young Chinese inventor who has captured international attention by flying a homemade hoverboard over mountains and across the Yangtze River. Song Xingyu, a 26-year-old self-taught inventor from Hubei province, China, has demonstrated that imagination, curiosity and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements, even without a conventional engineering education.
Better known online as "Amazing Ayu", Song has attracted millions of followers through videos showcasing his unusual inventions and experimental aircraft. His latest creation, a Green Goblin-inspired flying board, has become particularly popular because it resembles the futuristic flying device featured in the Spider-Man films.
From a Rural Background to an Unconventional Inventor
Song's journey into the world of aviation began during his childhood. Growing up in a rural family in Badong County, Hubei province, he had limited access to expensive toys and technological equipment. However, his fascination with flying machines developed at an early age. One of his childhood experiences involved receiving a discarded model space shuttle from another child. The toy sparked his imagination and encouraged him to explore how aircraft worked.
At just 14, Song left school and began helping his father in the family timber business. Although he did not follow a traditional academic path, his interest in engineering and aviation continued to grow. He taught himself through observation, experimentation and practical experience.
His early attempts at building aircraft models were unsuccessful, and it reportedly took him nearly two years to develop a model that could fly properly. Rather than abandoning his ambition, he treated every failure as an opportunity to learn. In June 2022, he borrowed money and converted an abandoned woodworking shed belonging to his family into a personal laboratory. The workshop became the centre of his experiments, allowing him to develop increasingly ambitious inventions.
Financial Struggles and Support from a Technology Company
Song's journey was not without financial difficulties. Some of his experimental projects failed, while a business setback and an alleged scam reportedly left him with debts exceeding 2.4 million yuan. The financial pressure threatened his ability to continue inventing. However, his growing popularity on social media eventually attracted the attention of Insta360, a Chinese technology company. In December 2025, the company provided him with 1.8 million yuan through its Think Bold Challenge Fund. The financial support helped him address his debts and continue pursuing his technological ambitions.
His experience highlights the challenges faced by independent inventors who often lack access to professional research facilities, institutional funding and commercial support.
Building a Real-Life Green Goblin Flying Board
Song's latest invention was inspired by the fictional flying glider used by the Green Goblin in the Spider-Man movies. Fascinated by the concept, he decided to develop a real machine that could carry a person through the air.
He spent approximately two months developing the hoverboard. His initial design used small jet engines, but the first major testing attempt ended in a fire that damaged the equipment. Instead of giving up, he reconsidered the design and eventually developed an electric version.
The machine reportedly uses ten brushless electric motor units to generate the thrust required for flight. It also incorporates an AI-assisted monitoring system designed to help the rider maintain balance. Using mobile phones and wireless earphones, the system monitors the rider's posture and provides spoken instructions when adjustments are needed. This technology helps address one of the major challenges of operating a flying platform while standing on it.
The invention combines mechanical experimentation, electric propulsion and artificial intelligence, demonstrating how modern technology can support independent engineering projects.
Flying Across the Yangtze River
Song's invention gained international recognition after he shared footage of himself flying over mountains and across the Yangtze River in October 2026. The flight took place during China's National Day holiday. On October 15, he posted videos showing the machine travelling above the river and through the mountainous landscape of Hubei province.
One particularly impressive demonstration took place in the Barenhe scenic area in Badong County. Reports stated that he flew across a canyon for more than 300 metres, with the journey lasting slightly over two minutes. The footage quickly attracted attention on Chinese social media, particularly Douyin, where millions of viewers expressed amazement at the unusual flying device.
Many compared the invention to the futuristic machines seen in superhero films, while others described the demonstration as evidence of the remarkable possibilities of individual creativity. However, some viewers questioned whether the footage was genuine or digitally generated. Song rejected claims that the video was AI-generated and conducted additional demonstrations.
On October 22, he reportedly performed flights in front of journalists at a factory in Yichang, Hubei province, providing further evidence of the machine's capabilities.
An Achievement Accompanied by Risks
Despite the excitement surrounding his invention, Song's experimental journey has involved considerable danger. Song's family has supported his ambitions while expressing concerns about the dangers involved.
In November 2024, he attempted a jump from a helicopter at approximately 5,000 metres while testing another homemade flying device. During the experiment, his main parachute failed to open properly, forcing him to rely on a backup parachute that deployed at a much lower altitude. The incident demonstrated the serious risks associated with experimental aviation.
His latest hoverboard also raises important questions about flight safety, mechanical reliability and regulation. Although the machine represents an interesting engineering experiment, it should not be considered a certified transportation device or something suitable for untrained individuals to operate.
A Glimpse into the Future of Personal Flight
Song's achievement has renewed public interest in the possibility of personal flying devices. Advances in electric propulsion, lightweight materials, battery technology and artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities for experimental aerial transportation. However, transforming a homemade flying platform into a practical transportation system would require significant improvements in safety, energy efficiency, stability and regulatory compliance.
For now, Song's invention remains an experimental achievement rather than a commercially available alternative to conventional transportation. Nevertheless, his journey carries a broader message about innovation and determination. Without formal engineering education or access to a major research institution, he developed his skills through independent learning, practical experimentation and repeated failures.
From a discarded childhood toy to a homemade hoverboard flying across the Yangtze River, Song Xingyu's story demonstrates how curiosity can evolve into extraordinary technological creativity. His journey is far from over, and he remains determined to explore new possibilities in aviation. Whether or not his flying board becomes part of future transportation, his achievement has already inspired millions to imagine what might be possible when ambition meets innovation.