Drone Delivery Revolution: Enjoy Your Meal While Hiking the Great Wall of China
Imagine hiking the majestic Great Wall of China, feeling the ancient stones beneath your feet, and then, out of the blue, your lunch arrives—delivered by a drone. This futuristic service is now a reality, thanks to Meituan, China’s leading food delivery company.
Recently, Meituan launched a groundbreaking drone delivery service that brings food, drinks, and even medical supplies directly to tourists exploring the remote sections of the Great Wall on the outskirts of Beijing. This innovative service marks the first drone delivery operation in the capital city, further expanding China’s rapidly growing drone industry. As the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of consumer drones, China continues to push the boundaries of convenience, especially in areas that are difficult to access.
The drone delivery route begins at a nearby hotel rooftop and extends to a watchtower on the southern extension of Badaling, the most popular and iconic section of the Great Wall. This extension, which opened last year, is known for its challenging terrain and lack of commercial facilities. In the scorching summer heat, visitors often struggle to find relief. But with Meituan’s drones, relief is just five minutes away—what would typically take a 50-minute hike can now be accomplished in a fraction of the time.
According to Yan Yan, public affairs director of Meituan’s drone division, the drones can fly in moderate wind and rain, carrying up to 2.3 kilograms (about 5 pounds) per trip. Remarkably, the delivery fee is just 4 yuan (approximately 56 cents), making it an affordable luxury for visitors. Operating between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the drones also contribute to environmental efforts by transporting trash to recycling stations after service hours.
Despite their advanced technology, these drones still require human assistance. A Meituan worker picks up the order from a nearby store and delivers it to the hotel rooftop. There, the package is weighed, packed, and attached to the drone, which then flies autonomously to the watchtower, where another worker is ready to hand it to the customer.
Drone delivery services have been rapidly expanding in China. Since 2016, when e-commerce giant JD.com launched the first drone trials in rural areas, the industry has revolutionized logistics, reducing delivery times from hours to mere minutes. Meituan itself has successfully completed over 300,000 drone deliveries across multiple cities, including the tech hub of Shenzhen and the financial center of Shanghai.
In urban areas, these drones follow carefully mapped routes, often launching from rooftops and delivering to designated kiosks near residential and office buildings. This method ensures that the drones avoid congested city spaces while still providing quick and efficient service.
As China continues to develop its “low-altitude economy,” which encompasses a variety of businesses involving manned and unmanned aerial vehicles below 1,000 meters, the potential for drone delivery services is immense. This sector has been identified as a key growth engine for the Chinese economy, promising to bring even more innovative solutions to everyday challenges.
So, the next time you find yourself exploring the ancient wonders of the Great Wall, don’t be surprised if a drone buzzes by, delivering a refreshing drink or a much-needed meal—truly blending history with the future.
