AI technology and drones are giving wings to sustainable tourism at the Great Wall of China.

In the Badaling area, one of the most famous and popular sections of the Great Wall, a remarkable leap forward in enhancing the travel experience has been witnessed since August 2024, thanks to the pioneering application of technology by Chinese food delivery giant Meituan. The company officially launched its drone delivery service, offering a completely new approach to serving the needs of travelers exploring this world wonder.

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Now, tourists visiting the Great Wall of China can easily order food, drinks, or even essential medical supplies and receive them quickly via flexible drone flights. With a maximum carrying capacity of 2.3 kg per delivery, this service promises impressive delivery times, potentially as short as 5 minutes from the time of order. Remarkably, the cost per drone delivery is only around 4 yuan, a price comparable to Meituan's regular delivery fees, highlighting the convenience and cost-effectiveness of this technological solution.

This event marks a significant milestone as it becomes the first drone delivery service to be deployed in the capital city of Beijing. It is clear evidence of the strong growth of drone delivery across China, a country that holds the position of the world's largest producer and exporter of civilian drones.

However, the application of drones at the Great Wall of China is not limited to this convenient delivery service. Prior to this, since 2023, these unmanned aerial vehicles have been used in automated patrols, acting as silent "guards" and contributing to the strict protection of this architectural wonder, a source of pride for generations of Chinese people.

According to Ms. Li Jing, Deputy Director of the Great Wall Management Office in Yanqing District, Beijing, a system of 18 automated drone patrol routes, totaling over 20 kilometers in length, has been established in the area. Two drone airfields, built on the north and south sides of the Great Wall, are capable of conducting up to 10 patrol flights per day, each lasting between 5 and 10 minutes. A key feature is that after each mission, these drone airfields automatically transmit collected image and video data to the management system, allowing managers to visually and effectively monitor the conservation status of the monument.

Ms. Li Jing emphasized: “To further enhance the effectiveness of protecting the Great Wall, we have proactively expanded the application of drone technology in monitoring and protecting the monument. Currently, we are conducting a pilot project in the Badaling area with the construction and operation of two drone airfields. Through patrol flights, we can observe the protection status of the monument from many different angles, something that traditional patrol methods cannot easily achieve. This approach has significantly improved the effectiveness of protecting the Great Wall, while overcoming the limitations of long patrol times, long travel distances, and the limited observation range of humans.”

Besides the initial successes, Ms. Li Jing also revealed plans to expand drone applications in the future. It is expected that by 2025, the application scenarios for drones will continue to diversify. With the addition of three more drone airfields, the patrol range of the unmanned aircraft will be able to cover the entire Badaling area, creating a comprehensive and tight surveillance network.

Besides drones, a brand-new climbing assistance service called GoGo has also been launched at the Great Wall, promising an exciting experience and providing valuable support for tourists who may struggle to conquer the long slopes and high steps. Mr. Dong, a staff member in charge of renting GoGo climbing support frames, enthusiastically instructs tourists on how to use this unique device: “This exoskeleton consists of a harness at the back and a belt around the waist to securely fasten it to the user’s body. The device mainly relies on horizontal bars at the thighs to support our legs. When the system detects the user intending to walk, it automatically activates and gently lifts the legs.”

The GoGo climbing frame device uses a battery that lasts up to 5 hours on a single charge, and is currently available for rent at a price of 100 Yuan (approximately 360,000 Vietnamese Dong) for 3 hours of use.

The unique feature of the GoGo exoskeleton lies in its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent control technology. Weighing less than 2.5kg, the device closely hugs the user's waist and thighs, continuously sensing movements and providing synchronized support through advanced AI algorithms. As a result, pressure on the user's legs is significantly reduced, making the journey to conquer the Great Wall of China easier and more comfortable.

Prior to its deployment at the Great Wall, similar power-assisted technology had been successfully tested at the famous Mount Tai, a mountain over 1,500 meters high with more than 7,000 steps in Shandong Province. This demonstrates the growing trend of applying technology in tourist areas across China to enhance the experience and provide the best possible support for visitors. The combination of drones and AI-assisted systems at the Great Wall not only represents innovation in tourism management and development but also ushers in a new era where technology plays a key role in heritage preservation and delivering unique experiences for tourists.

Khanh Linh