Meituan Launches Drone Delivery Service for Tourists on the Great Wall of China, Bringing Food and Supplies to Remote Watchtowers Near Beijing
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
6 minutes read. Updated 1:01PM GMT Thurs, 22August, 2024
In a move blending ancient history with cutting-edge technology, tourists hiking along the Great Wall of China can now receive food and supplies delivered by drone. This groundbreaking service, introduced by Chinese food delivery giant Meituan, marks a significant advancement in the convenience of remote locations and adds a new layer of ease for visitors exploring the famed monument on the outskirts of Beijing.
The newly launched drone delivery system, announced last week, is the first of its kind in Beijing. It will transport food, drinks, and essential items such as medical supplies from a nearby hotel rooftop to a watchtower on the southern extension of Badaling—the most visited segment of the Great Wall. This extension, which preserves the wall’s original state and experiences extreme summer temperatures, previously lacked commercial facilities, making this service a welcome addition.
Enhancing the Visitor Experience
Yan Yan, Meituan’s public affairs director for the drone business, highlighted the service’s transformative potential. “Through drones, we can reduce a 50-minute walk to just five minutes and deliver much-needed relief items and emergency supplies to visitors,” Yan told state broadcaster CCTV. The drones are capable of flying in moderate wind and rain and can carry up to 2.3 kilograms (about 5 pounds) per trip. Each delivery costs just 4 yuan (56 cents), the same as Meituan’s standard delivery fees. The service operates daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with drones also tasked with transporting trash to recycling stations after hours.
A Step Forward in Drone Logistics
This development follows China’s rapid expansion in drone delivery services. Since JD.com’s pioneering trial of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in 2016, which significantly cut delivery times in rural areas, the industry has evolved substantially. Drones now play a crucial role in urban logistics as well. Meituan’s drone operations, which began in Shenzhen in 2021, now cover over 30 routes across multiple cities, including Shanghai. The company has completed more than 300,000 orders, demonstrating the growing demand and efficiency of drone deliveries.
Supporting the ‘Low-Altitude Economy’
The surge in drone deliveries aligns with China’s broader push to develop the “low-altitude economy,” a sector focused on both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles operating below 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Identified as a new growth engine for the Chinese economy in the central government’s work report this March, the low-altitude economy aims to bolster various businesses through innovative aerial solutions.
As Meituan’s drone service continues to expand, it not only enhances the visitor experience at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks but also exemplifies China’s leadership in integrating advanced technology into everyday life.
