Hungry tourists exploring the Great Wall of China can now enjoy a unique experience: having their lunch delivered by drone. Chinese food delivery giant Meituan has launched a drone service to bring food, drinks, and essential supplies to visitors at a remote section of the ancient monument.
This innovative service, Beijing’s first of its kind, reflects China’s rapidly expanding drone delivery industry, which is already the largest in the world. From bustling cities to isolated rural areas, drones are revolutionizing how people receive goods.
How It Works
The drone route starts from a hotel rooftop near the southern extension of Badaling, the most popular section of the Great Wall, and ends at a watchtower. This part of the Wall, which was recently opened to the public, lacks commercial facilities and can be challenging for visitors, especially during the hot summer months.
Meituan’s drones can complete a journey that would take 50 minutes on foot in just five minutes, making it easier to deliver not only meals but also heat relief and emergency supplies. Each drone can carry up to 2.3 kilograms (about 5 pounds) and can operate in moderate wind and rain conditions.
The cost for this service is just 4 yuan (56 cents), the same as Meituan’s regular delivery fee. The service operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. After that, the drones assist in carrying trash to recycling stations.
Human Assistance Still Needed
While the drones operate on autopilot, they still require human support. After an order is placed, a Meituan worker picks up the items from a nearby store and delivers them to the hotel rooftop. There, the package is weighed, packaged, and attached to the drone by an operator. The drone then flies to the watchtower, where another worker receives the package, ready for the customer to pick up.
Expanding Drone Services in China
Drone delivery services have been expanding rapidly in China, driven by both demand and government support. In 2016, JD.com, a major e-commerce company, launched the first trial of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for deliveries in rural areas, drastically reducing delivery times in mountainous regions.
Meituan’s drone service began in the tech hub of Shenzhen in 2021 and has since grown to operate over 30 routes in multiple cities, including Shanghai. These drones navigate urban environments by following predetermined routes and dropping off deliveries at kiosks near residential and office buildings, where customers can easily retrieve their orders.
The “Low-Altitude Economy” Push
The expansion of drone deliveries is part of a broader governmental initiative to develop the “low-altitude economy.” This term refers to industries involving manned and unmanned aerial vehicles operating below 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Recognized as a new growth engine for the Chinese economy, this sector was highlighted in the central government’s work report in March.
As China continues to innovate in drone technology, services like Meituan’s drone deliveries are likely to become even more integral to daily life, blending ancient landmarks with cutting-edge convenience.