Kunming, celebrated for its springtime blossoms and scenic vistas, reached new heights on April 16 with the debut of a shared drone rental service at Moon Bay Park. Spearheaded by Hongyun Subdistrict in Wuhua District, the initiative places five DJI drones in a single cabinet, ready for instant rent via an Alipay QR code scan.
Key details:
- 15-minute flight: 19.9 yuan
- 30-minute flight: 39.9 yuan
- Deposit waiver for Sesame Credit score 550+
- Free first flight for new users
Each drone offers about 15 minutes of flight before requiring a portable power bank top-up, letting users extend their sessions seamlessly. The model has locals buzzing: Ms. Qu, one of the first to try it, said it “lowers the barrier to aerial photography and saves us the cost of expensive gear. For a modest fee, we capture professional-quality footage.”
Future deployments include the Wuhua District New Business and Employment Party Service Center, Ma Yuan Rice Track Park and the Jacaranda Scenic Route on Jiaochang Middle Road. A day earlier, the program also landed at the Dongchuan Outdoor Tour Leader Hub and the Red Soil Scenic Area, treating visitors to sweeping red-earth panoramas.
Beyond leisure, the shared drone system promises practical gains for scenic-area management. Standardized operations curb unauthorized flights, while real-time visitor data supports smarter planning and development.
Officials say this project embodies Kunming’s “Low-Altitude Plus” strategy, integrating aerial tech into tourism and urban services. As it spreads, shared drones could redefine tech-driven travel in Kunming and fuel the low-altitude economy.
Reference(s):
Kunming Debuts Shared Drone Service Offering 15-Minute Aerial Packages for 19.9 Yuan
huanqiu.com
