Your Chinese takeaway is ready to be delivered by drone

Under the rules drawn up for this programme in Shanghai, drones will transport meals to and from two fixed locations within each route.

Ele.me, one of China’s leading online food delivery platforms, has been given the green light by authorities to operate in the country’s initial delivery routes for drones.

The 17 newly approved routes over an industrial zone in Shanghai will enable consumers there to receive online takeaway meal orders via drones within 20 minutes after confirming the delivery on their smartphones, according to Ele.me during an event in Shanghai on Tuesday.