A drone arrives at the Shangzhantou scenic area in Taizhou. [Photo/WeChat account: yuhuanfabu]

Yuhuan, a county-level city in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, launched its first drone logistics routes on May 11, marking a new step in integrating low-altitude aviation services with tourism and consumer businesses.

The launch ceremony was held in Ganjiang town, where two drone delivery routes began operation. One connects the town center with the Shangzhantou scenic area, while the other links Ganjiang town to Jishan Island.

At around 2 pm, a multirotor drone carrying six cups of coffee took off from a delivery point on Yucai Lu in Ganjiang town and arrived at the Shangzhantou scenic area in about 15 minutes after flying across mountainous coastal terrain. Staff demonstrated the full delivery process and introduced features designed to keep food warm and prevent spills during transport.

The drone system was developed to address the challenges of delivering goods across mountainous and island landscapes. Compared with traditional ground delivery, drones can travel in straight lines, improving transport efficiency, particularly during peak holiday tourism periods.

Ganjiang town plans to add four drone logistics routes, covering the Shangzhantou scenic area, Jishan Island, Dalu Island, and Zhonglu Island. Future routes are expected to support seafood transport, emergency supply deliveries, and low-altitude sightseeing tourism.