A drone delivers coffee to visitors at a hilltop viewing platform on Miaozihu Island in Zhoushan. [Photo/Zhoushan Daily]

A drone-based coffee delivery service on Miaozihu Island in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, has seen rising demand since May this year as tourists use a mobile ordering system to purchase coffee from a mountain-top viewing lawn.

On the island's viewing lawn, visitors can scan a QR code to place their orders. The drinks are prepared by a partner cafe located in the dockside homestay area at the foot of the mountain.

The project uses two drones, each capable of carrying up to 20 kilograms, to deliver up to eight cups of coffee per trip. According to project representative Liu Kaikai, the concept originated from visitor demand, as many tourists said they wanted to enjoy coffee while viewing the sea from the hilltop. The idea was later incorporated into efforts to develop the island's local low-altitude economy.

Since its initial launch last year, the service has completed 178 drone deliveries during a three-month trial period. After restarting this month, it has already handled 92 orders, indicating growing adoption among visitors. The system is also used for urgent supply transport, such as delivering medicines when needed.