SHENZHEN: A steady hum fills the ​air around busy tourist areas in China’s southern tech hub of Shenzhen, ‌which is set to host world leaders at ​next week’s Apec summit.

It is the sound of a fleet of drones crisscrossing the sky, delivering takeout food, coffee and bubble tea to tourists who scan QR codes and order to parks and scenic ​spots.

“It feels quite novel,“ said Southeast Asian visitor Liew Kee Ho. “Back in Malaysia, I’ve never seen drones used ‌to deliver milk ​tea or food. “Anything you’ve never tried before always feels ​novel and exciting for the first time.”

China has emerged as one ​of the world’s most advanced markets for commercial drone logistics, supported by a vast manufacturing base, government backing for the so-called low-altitude economy and rapidly spreading delivery networks.