Until the 1980s, China was a mystery to the world — much like North Korea is today. But after leader Deng Xiaoping introduced reforms and openness, China began rapid development.
Today, China is the world’s largest developing country, but in many areas, it has already passed developed countries thanks to science and technology.
Until the 1980s, China was a mysterious country, much like North Korea today. But after economic reforms led by Deng Xiaoping, China began developing rapidly. Today, China is the world’s largest developing country — yet, in many ways, it is ahead of even developed nations in science and technology.
From Cash to QR Codes Everywhere
In 2013, cash was still common in China. Small shops and supermarkets accepted cash regularly. But soon, QR codes replaced coins and notes. Even street vendors and beggars now display QR codes for payments. By 2017, many people had completely stopped using paper money. Everything from grocery shopping to taxi rides can be done with a smartphone app.
No More Wallets or ATM Cards
People no longer need wallets or ATM cards. Mobile apps handle all financial transactions, from shopping and booking hotels to buying train tickets and even making doctor appointments. Whether it’s buying salt or gold, it can all be done with one click on a smartphone.
The Red Envelope Tradition Goes Digital
During Chinese New Year, it is traditional to give red envelopes with money. In the past, people stood in long lines at banks to get new notes. But now, red envelopes are sent digitally. No more queues at the bank or counting paper notes.
Smart Toilets That Test Your Health
An Unexpected Discovery in Chongqing
In Chongqing city, public restrooms have become smart. While using the restroom, a small screen displays real-time health data, such as glucose, blood, and protein levels in urine. A QR code on the screen allows users to pay and receive a printed report on the spot.
Face Recognition for Toilet Paper
In Beijing’s public toilets, there’s no need to pay for toilet paper anymore. Just look at a screen for a few seconds, and toilet paper is automatically dispensed. These smart features have impressed visitors from around the world.
Smart Machines Writing News
Can a Machine Write News Faster Than Humans?
In 2018, visiting journalists saw an incredible machine at the Sichuan Media Group. This machine could write news articles within 30 seconds after an event. For example, when a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Spain in 2011, this machine wrote and published the first news report online just 30 seconds later. The report was perfectly accurate and grammatically correct.
Robots in Daily Life
Robot Waiters and Driverless Taxis
In modern China, restaurants use robots to serve food. In five-star hotels, robots deliver room service. Driverless taxis are available in cities like Beijing.
The World’s First Driverless High-Speed Train
In December 2019, China launched the first driverless high-speed train between Beijing and Zhangjiakou. This train runs at 350 kilometers per hour, covering 174 kilometers with 10 stops.
Driverless Cars on the Road
How Smart Cars Drive Themselves
In 2023, visitors observed the fifth-generation driverless car factory in Beijing’s Daxing district. These cars select the fastest route, follow traffic signals, overtake vehicles, and adjust their speed just like human drivers. The company is already working on sixth-generation driverless cars.
Smart Technology Everywhere
Doors That Open by Face Recognition
Luxury hotels and residential buildings now have doors that open automatically by recognizing faces on screens. Unauthorized people cannot enter.
Parks That Track Your Walk
Public parks have smart systems that take photos of visitors upon entry. After leaving, visitors can see how far they walked, the number of steps taken, and the calories burned.
China’s Future is Already Here
From public toilets and parks to cars and trains, smart technology is everywhere in China. The country is not just digital; it is moving into a smart future that many others can only imagine.
