China is expanding the use of autonomous vehicles and drones to make parcel deliveries faster and more efficient in rural and remote areas. The adoption of these technologies aims to reduce logistics costs, expand access to delivery services, and strengthen the flow of goods between cities and communities across the country.
According to official data, around 95% of Chinese villages already have access to delivery services. However, the concentration of logistics hubs near cities and industrial areas continues to make service provision in more remote regions challenging, as long distances and difficult terrain increase transportation time and costs.
In Chongyang, in Hubei Province, autonomous electric vehicles are already transporting parcels to communities located around 30 kilometres from distribution centres, using cameras and radar systems to ensure safe navigation.
In other regions, the technology is already delivering economic benefits. In Guangrao County, Shandong Province, more than 20 autonomous vehicles have been integrated into the logistics network, reducing the average cost per parcel and enabling twice-daily deliveries at a pace comparable to that of urban areas.
In addition, drones are being used to overcome geographical and climatic barriers. In the Jiagedaqi region of Heilongjiang Province, where temperatures can fall to minus 40 degrees Celsius and heavy snowfall can isolate communities, aerial equipment capable of carrying loads of up to 100 kilograms is helping transport products and supplies to hard-to-reach areas.
This technological advancement comes alongside the expansion of China’s delivery market. In 2025, the country handled 199 billion parcels, maintaining its position as the world leader for the 12th consecutive year. More than 100 million parcels are dispatched to or from rural areas every day, representing approximately 20% of total delivery volumes.
Beyond boosting e-commerce, the modernisation of rural logistics is also benefiting agricultural producers. In Gansu Province, for example, farmers have begun shipping fruit directly to urban consumers, reducing transportation losses and increasing their income.
The Chinese government plans to further expand the use of artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and drones to strengthen logistics infrastructure and support the development of rural areas.
Source: TV BRICS
