Delivery drones fly local specialties from Sichuan's remote villages to broader markets

Delivery drones allow villagers in the mountainous areas of Sichuan Province to transport and sell their local specialties to broader markets across China.

In Badi Township, Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, where icy winter roads block transportation to mountain villages, drones swiftly deliver fresh meat and other local specialties to post offices, from where they are distributed to major cities.

"Our Tibetan pigs are raised in the mountains at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. In winter, icy roads and rainy weather make driving up here very difficult. Last year, we had to hire people to carry the pigs down the mountains to sell them. Each person could only carry half a pig per trip and make two trips a day before dusk. It cost 150 yuan (about 20.49 U.S. dollars) per day per person to transport one pig. This year, thanks to Beichuan's thriving aviation industry, we are using drones to transport our pork. Each trip takes just over 10 minutes and costs only about 10 yuan (about 1.37 U.S. dollars). So far, we have sold more than 1,000 pigs this way this year, with another 1,000 still to go," said Ma Hong, a Tibetan pork seller.

"We used to mainly ship cured meat, but ever since drones began transporting goods from the mountains this year in towns and villages, fresh meat shipments have increased significantly. Goods arrive at the [China Post] station and are packed and shipped out immediately. Big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou can receive them the next day. It's very convenient," said Ren Xiaorong, head of a local China Post station.

In addition to drone deliveries, Beichuan has also intensified efforts in e-commerce and livestream training to broaden the sales channels for local agricultural products.

In Dongjiang Village, Piankou Township, local villagers sell cured pork, ribs, and sausages through e-commerce platforms and livestreaming, with estimated sales exceeding 5 million yuan (approximately 680,000 U.S. dollars) this year.

"At first, we only had a few hundred orders. Then, through offline referrals from our regular customers, the orders surpassed 1,000. Later, with livestream training and government support, we began selling both online and offline. Now, our cured products are shipped across China. So far, we have fulfilled 4,000–5,000 orders, and with the Spring Festival arriving, we're preparing and shipping over 10,000 more orders," said Wang Xiaoli, a seller of cured products.

To ensure the smooth delivery of agricultural goods, postal and courier companies are enhancing their services by providing free vacuum packing and expanding rural collection routes.

"th the Spring Festival approaching, the volume of goods from Beichuan has significantly increased compared to last year. I estimate that before services are suspended for the Spring Festival holiday, the total volume will grow by around 50 percent year on year. As couriers, we'll ensure the safe and efficient delivery of Beichuan's goods to our customers," said Li Chao, a courier with Yunda Express.

Delivery drones fly local specialties from Sichuan's remote villages to broader markets

Delivery drones fly local specialties from Sichuan's remote villages to broader markets

Delivery drones fly local specialties from Sichuan's remote villages to broader markets

Displaced Palestinians in Egypt marked Eid al-Fitr, a celebration traditionally filled with family gatherings, with profound sorrow over their separation from loved ones in the Gaza Strip.

Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting (Ramadan) and the beginning of the new month in the lunar calendar. It is typically a time for joyous family reunions across the Muslim world.

However, thousands of displaced Palestinians in Egypt spent Eid al-Fitr without the embrace of family this year.

Naema Alsoury, one of the many Palestinians who fled the war in Gaza seeking medical treatment in Egypt, reflected on the painful reality of her situation.

Her young son, who has suffered from eye cancer since he was four months old, requires constant care. As a mother of five, Naema Alsoury managed to bring four of her children to Egypt, while her eldest son and husband remained behind in Gaza.

"Eid al-Fitr in Egypt is beautiful but only for those with a clear mind. I woke up happy that the kids are excited to celebrate Eid. But as I saw cars with families going for the prayer-- husbands and wives together and families, I thought I can't hug my son or husband. I can't be truly happy during Eid. This is my third Eid here without my mother, my sister and my brothers. What Eid al-Fitr is that? I live in fear, because no one knows the fate of those in Gaza -- who will live and who will die," said Naema Alsoury.

Recently, one of Naema Alsoury's uncles, along with some other family members, managed to reach Egypt for medical treatment. Her nephew spoke of the stark differences in living conditions between Egypt and Gaza.

"My nephew pointed out to me the differences between Egypt and Gaza. I may have not paid attention to that. I was talking to them via video call. He told his mother, they have electricity. Their TV is on. They can charge their mobile phone anytime. We can go to the toilet any time and there is always water there. We don't have that in Gaza now," said Naema Alsoury.

Egyptians across many cities have used the annual Eid al-Fitr Prayer gathering to support Palestinians in the besieged enclave.

"Eid this year and the year before has been different because we are very sad about what's happening to our Palestinian Brothers, that they are getting forced to leave their land. They are facing injustice. As Egyptians we support our President's calls to reject displacement, they are our Arab brothers. We support them," said Islam El Hawary, an Egyptian citizen.

Displaced Palestinians in Egypt mark Eid al-Fitr amid heartache, separation from family