Meituan Launches Drone Delivery at Great Wall

Tourists hiking the Great Wall of China can now have food, drinks, and emergency supplies delivered by drones, courtesy of Chinese food delivery giant Meituan. This service, launched last week, operates from a nearby hotel rooftop to a watchtower on the southern extension of Badaling, the Great Wall's most popular section. Drones can make trips that take 50 minutes on foot in just five minutes, carrying up to 2.3 kilograms (5 pounds) per trip. The delivery fee is 4 yuan (56 cents), which is the same as regular Meituan deliveries. Orders can be placed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with drones also being used to transport trash to recycling stations afterward. This initiative is part of China's broader push to advance its 'low-altitude economy' and expand drone delivery services nationwide.