Visitors to the Great Wall of China can now enjoy an unparalleled level of convenience as they explore this ancient wonder. Thanks to a recent development by Chinese tech giant Meituan, tourists can have their meals, beverages, and essential supplies delivered directly to them via drone. This groundbreaking service, which was introduced just last week, marks a significant milestone not only for Beijing but also for the rapidly growing drone delivery industry in China.
The drone delivery service is specifically designed for a remote and rugged section of the Great Wall near Beijing, in the southern extension of the Badaling area. This part of the Wall is known for its challenging terrain and historical significance, with no commercial amenities available nearby. For visitors, particularly during the hot summer months, the new drone service offers a much-needed convenience. These drones, which are equipped to operate even in moderate wind and rain, significantly cut down the delivery time—what would be a 50-minute hike is now a swift five-minute flight.
Meituan’s drone service is not limited to delivering food and drinks; it also caters to emergency needs by transporting medical supplies. Each drone is capable of carrying up to 2.3 kilograms (about 5 pounds) per trip, making it a practical solution for tourists requiring quick access to essential items. The service operates daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a nominal delivery fee of 4 yuan (56 cents), mirroring the cost of Meituan’s standard urban delivery service. Additionally, after operating hours, these drones play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness of the area by transporting waste to nearby recycling facilities.
The entire drone delivery process is highly coordinated. Once an order is placed, a Meituan staff member collects the requested items from a nearby store and brings them to a designated hotel rooftop. The items are then weighed, securely packaged, and attached to a drone. Operating on autopilot, the drone transports the package to a designated watchtower on the Great Wall, where another worker is ready to receive it. Tourists can conveniently pick up their orders from this point, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
This innovative service is a testament to China’s fast-growing drone delivery sector. As the world’s leading manufacturer and exporter of civilian drones, China has been rapidly expanding its use of drones for various logistical applications. The shift toward drone deliveries began in 2016, when e-commerce giant JD.com conducted its first trial of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for deliveries in rural regions. These drones, capable of carrying up to 15 kilograms over a distance of 20 kilometers (about 12 miles), drastically reduced delivery times in remote areas, from four hours by car to just 20 minutes.
The success of drone deliveries in rural areas has spurred their adoption in urban settings as well. Meituan completed its first drone delivery in 2021 in Shenzhen, a major tech hub in southern China. Since then, the company has expanded its drone delivery network to include more than 30 routes across multiple cities, including Shanghai, China’s financial capital. To date, these drones have completed over 300,000 orders, proving the efficiency and reliability of drone deliveries in both rural and urban environments.
In cities, Meituan’s drones navigate through densely populated areas by following pre-programmed routes from launch sites, usually located on rooftops, to designated drop-off points. Instead of delivering directly to homes or offices, the drones drop off packages at nearby kiosks where customers can conveniently pick up their orders. This approach has also been implemented in public parks in cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen, further extending the reach of drone deliveries.
China’s rapid advancement in drone delivery technology is closely aligned with the government’s initiative to develop the “low-altitude economy,” which focuses on industries that use aerial vehicles below 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). This sector has been highlighted as a key driver of economic growth in the central government’s work report and is expected to foster further innovation in the field of unmanned aerial systems.
As Meituan’s drone service enhances the visitor experience at the Great Wall of China, the integration of cutting-edge technology into daily life continues to transform how people interact with historic landmarks and navigate the challenges of remote travel. As drone deliveries become more commonplace, their convenience is likely to become an integral part of the tourism experience in China and beyond.