Beijing has introduced its inaugural unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) logistics route in the Badaling section of the Great Wall, allowing tourists to swiftly obtain summer comfort items and emergency provisions, according to a statement from the Badaling scenic area on Friday.
As reported by Xinhua, the state news agency, the delivery point for this new route is located at the south ninth watchtower on the extended line of the Badaling Great Wall. This area, which welcomed the public at the end of 2023, primarily caters to activities like outdoor hiking, adventure crossings, Great Wall studies, and travel photography. The absence of commercial amenities in this area poses challenges for visitors seeking to restock on essentials such as drinking water.
To facilitate the supply delivery, the Badaling Great Wall scenic area collaborated with a delivery platform to initiate the UAV delivery route. Tourists can scan a QR code at the delivery point using their smartphones to place orders on a food delivery platform, with the supplies being delivered by drones within five minutes. A typical walk to the spot takes about 50 minutes.
On the return journey, the drone can also transport waste generated, thereby significantly cutting down the labor costs for the Great Wall's maintenance staff, according to the delivery platform involved in the UAV service. One of the most frequented sections of the Great Wall, the Badaling scenic area was first opened to tourists in 1958 and has since welcomed over 200 million visitors from both domestic and international destinations.
