A drone soared above Xichong Beach, successfully delivering fresh sea urchin to a designated spot using a descending rope Friday. This success means the availability of drone delivery services in Dongchong and Xichong are right around the corner.

The service, the first of its kind in Nan’ao Subdistrict, is expected to be put into official use at the end of April. The device provider is Phoenix Wings, a subsidiary of SF Express, specializing in logistics drones.

Once operational, visitors can use QR codes along hiking routes to select desired products. Staff will then prepare and load the products onto drones for delivery to specified locations.

One hiking route, spanning 7.5 kilometers crossing Dongchong and Xichong, is a popular trail for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting a high volume of visitors. The route would record over 10,000 visits during weekends and holidays on day average.

The rugged mountainous terrain previously posed challenges for timely deliveries. The introduction of drone services will streamline the delivery of food and medicine, enhancing the visitor experience and supporting mountain rescue efforts.

“With drone delivery, we can transport products to Longgang in just half an hour,” Lin Shouying, a sea product businessman in Nan’ao, said, adding that he expected the service to help boost his sea urchin business.