Ever been on a long hike and suddenly realized you’re starving with no food in sight? Well, if you’re exploring the Great Wall of China, you can now solve that problem in the coolest way possible—by having a drone deliver your meal right to you. Yep, drones are now officially in the food delivery business at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
But let’s be honest, while the scenery is breathtaking, the lack of snack bars can be a bit of a downer, especially after hours of walking. That’s where China’s top food delivery platform, Meituan, steps in with their latest innovation.
As reported by the New York Post on August 23, 2024, Meituan has introduced a brand-new drone delivery service designed specifically for hungry tourists wandering along the Great Wall. Whether you’re craving a cold drink or need some snacks to refuel, these drones have got you covered.
This nifty service is a lifesaver, especially during those scorching summer days or when you’re miles away from the nearest food outlet.
Yan Yan, who handles public relations for Meituan’s drone division, shared with CCTV, “With our drones, what would normally take nearly an hour on foot can now be done in just five minutes. We can deliver much-needed food, drinks, and emergency supplies directly to visitors on the Wall.” Fast food has never been more literal!
Here’s how it works: You place an order through the Meituan app, just like you would anywhere else. A staff member then picks up your order and heads to the hotel’s rooftop, where the drone is prepped and ready to fly. The drone then zips off to the watchtower, where a guard receives the delivery and hands it over to you. Easy, right?
The service runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and in true eco-friendly fashion, the drones even take your trash back for recycling. These drones can carry up to 5 kg per trip and are built to handle tough weather conditions, making sure your food arrives safe and sound, rain or shine.
And get this—the cost of drone delivery is the same as a regular Meituan food delivery, just 4 yuan, or about 56 cents. It’s the first time drone delivery has been offered in Beijing, marking another milestone in China’s rapidly growing drone industry.
So, next time you’re trekking the ancient stones of the Great Wall, you can focus on soaking up the history and views while leaving lunch logistics to the drones.