Shenzhen: Drone Delivery & Self-Driving Taxi

China’s Drone Delivery & Robot Taxis in Shenzhen

Destination:ChinaCity:ShenzhenPopulation:17.6 million
China’s Drone Delivery & Robot Taxis in Shenzhen
Cori Ander 2025-05-2921 min

After visiting Guangzhou, I decided to travel to Shenzhen, one of China’s most modern and developed cities. Here, you can order food via drones in designated areas — and of course, I had to try it.

But that’s not all. I also visited one of the drone loading zones, where the drones are prepared and dispatched to deliver food and drinks. To get there, I took one of Shenzhen’s robot taxis — self-driving, autonomous electric cars that operate in the city’s Nanshan district. While common taxi apps like Didi are still much more practical, this was definitely a really cool experience.

I hope you enjoy this vlog.

--- Cori Ander
May 29, 2025, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Shenzhen Bay Park
  2. 02:25Drone Delivery – order process
  3. 06:12Waiting for the Delivery
  4. 08:23Receiving the Drone Delivery
  5. 11:54Ordering self-driving taxi
  6. 14:16Riding in autonomous taxi
  7. 17:26Drone loading area
  8. 20:19Hope you enjoyed the vlog

Cori Ander's Shenzhen adventure: futuristic drone deliveries and self-driving taxis! A unique, modern China experience.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Shenzhen is a great place to experience new technologies like drone deliveries and self-driving taxis, reflecting China's technological advancements. (2:10)
  2. Tip 2Download a translation app if you don't speak Mandarin to navigate apps and menus in China. (3:06)
  3. Tip 3Get a local SIM card for easier access to apps and services requiring phone verification in China. (4:44)
  4. Tip 4Drone deliveries can take 20-30 minutes, so plan accordingly. (6:28)
  5. Tip 5Most cars in Chinese cities are electric, so be prepared to see many electric charging stations. (7:03)
  6. Tip 6The Pony Pilot app for self-driving taxis allows sign-up with foreign numbers, which is very convenient for tourists. (12:23)
  7. Tip 7Be prepared for a wait time of 10-20 minutes or more when using self-driving taxi services. (13:32)
  8. Tip 8Visit a drone loading station to witness the process of drone preparation and dispatch. (17:30)
  9. Tip 9Many restaurants in China use popular social media influencers in their advertisements. (20:02)

Experience the futuristic side of China with Cori Ander as she explores Shenzhen's cutting-edge technology. From ordering a fruit tea via drone delivery to riding in a self-driving robotaxi, Cori takes us on a thrilling journey through a city embracing innovation. Witness the efficiency of drone loading stations and the seamless operation of autonomous vehicles, offering a unique glimpse into China's technological advancements. This is more than just a travel vlog; it's a peek into the future.

More about the current video:( 13 / 17 )

China’s Drone Delivery & Robot Taxis in Shenzhen

This vlog follows Cori Ander's exploration of Shenzhen, China, a city at the forefront of technological innovation. Cori's journey begins in Bay Park, a stunning example of Shenzhen's modern architecture and urban planning. She highlights the sheer scale of the city, noting its rapid growth from a small town to a metropolis of over 16 million. This remarkable expansion, coupled with its status as China's tech capital, makes Shenzhen the ideal testing ground for cutting-edge technologies.

The main focus of the vlog is Cori's experience with two innovative services: drone delivery and self-driving robotaxis. First, she attempts to order a drink via a drone delivery app, a process she describes as initially challenging due to language barriers and app complexities. After successfully placing her order and waiting the allotted time, she witnesses the drone's arrival and retrieval, noting the environmentally conscious design of the reusable packaging. The entire process, while ultimately successful, illustrates the current challenges of navigating such new technologies.

Next, Cori details her experience with a self-driving robotaxi, using the Pony Pilot app. She notes the extended wait time for the vehicle, highlighting potential efficiency issues with the service. However, her ride itself is described as futuristic and exciting, emphasizing the smooth operation of the vehicle and the advanced technology displayed on the in-car screen. The presence of a human monitor in the vehicle is also noted, adding a layer of safety and reassurance.

Finally, Cori visits a drone loading station, observing the preparation and dispatch of drones. She marvels at the size of the drones and the efficient operation of the station, witnessing a drone take off and land, further emphasizing the smooth integration of this technology into Shenzhen's daily life. The vlog concludes with Cori's overall positive impressions of Shenzhen, highlighting the city's modern infrastructure and its bold embrace of technological advancement.

Shenzhen: Drone Delivery & Self-Driving Taxi

After visiting Guangzhou, I decided to travel to Shenzhen, one of China’s most modern and developed cities. Here, you can order food via drones in designated areas — and of course, I had to try it. But that’s not all. I also visited one of the drone loading zones, where the drones are prepared and...

Shenzhen's Drone Delivery & Robot Taxis: A Futuristic China Experience

Experience the futuristic side of China in Shenzhen! Cori Ander explores the city's innovative drone delivery system, ordering food via drone and witnessing the process firsthand at a drone loading zone. She also takes a ride in a self-driving taxi, using the PonyPilot app for a unique transportation experience. This vlog offers a glimpse into Shenzhen's cutting-edge technology and modern infrastructure, showcasing a fascinating blend of convenience and innovation.

Attractions in this video: Bay Park