Kunming debuted its first shared drone rental service on April 16 at Moon Bay Park, enabling tourists and residents to access affordable aerial photography for as low as 19.9 yuan ($2.75) per 15-minute session. Operated via Alipay QR codes, the initiative by Wuhua District's Hongyun Subdistrict features DJI drones in self-service cabinets, with deposit waivers for users scoring 550+ on Sesame Credit.
Tech-Driven Tourism Expansion
Resident Ms. Qu praised the service: 'It democratizes professional photography.' Demand has already spurred plans to install additional cabinets at landmarks like the Jacaranda Scenic Route and Ma Yuan Rice Track Park. Simultaneously, Dongchuan Outdoor Tour Leader Hub and Red Soil Scenic Area introduced drones for capturing the region's iconic crimson landscapes.
Safety and Strategy Integration
Beyond recreation, the program aids park management by reducing unsafe unauthorized flights. Real-time visitor data also guides infrastructure development. Officials describe it as a cornerstone of Kunming's 'Low-Altitude Plus' strategy, blending drone tech with tourism and urban innovation to fuel economic growth.
