Like it or not, China is fast outrunning the rest of us on technology in daily life. They have things we could never imagine in today's world. They seem to be firmly implanted in the future, and here's a few of the things both now and to come.
1. Drone deliveries in Shanghai. They're happening in more than just Shanghai, but this is where I heard a story about coffee and tea. Apparently, drones are now delivering beverages and food to stands in parks, etc. where the customers place their order.
Long story short, you're out and about enjoying a park in Shanghai and get thirsty. There's a stand that kind of looks like a vending machine stand. You order something to drink on your phone through apps and QR codes; things like that. You can monitor your order, pay remotely, and in about an average of 15 minutes; your order lands. Saw it on a video. I was impressed. It's becoming far more common there and the locals seem to love it.
https://www.a2zdronedelivery.com/ground-zero-test-site
https://english.shyp.gov.cn/ywb/latest/20250331/477370.html
https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20240716/aeee3879a3384ffcac97496badc2c005.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-44315984
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fv591_drone-delivery-tech-activity-7337752328210391040-cDh7/
2. Huawei. They have a flagship location in Shanghai and other locations around the country. This is where we meet the future. They have cars, phones, computers, drones and on and on. If it's tech, it's probably represented there.
Why do I mention this on a travel blog? Because, you can go and play with stuff. I recently saw a video of people learning about all the tech in the cars. It was amazing. They have cars that sense you so you don't have to open the door. They have cars with cameras and screens all over the inside; no mirrors. They have cars with makeshift theaters in the back seat. Of course they have cars that drive themselves. This is a great idea for a stop in Shanghai. So much to check out and so good for the budget; unless you buy something, that is.
https://www.huawei.com/en/media-center/multimedia/photos/facilities/shanghai-flagship-opening
https://consumer.huawei.com/en/community/details/topicId-114989/
https://www.archello.com/project/huawei-tkl-flagship-store
3. The Spacelab Restaurant, Shanghai. This one is a little hokey, but they have these in the cities and you have to eat. What will you get here? Burgers and stuff; it's not meant to be fancy. It's a theme restaurant like our old fashioned Bubba Gump Shrimp or Hard Rock Cafe.
However, when in Rome I say and tech is the main thing in places in China. Go to this restaurant and check out the gravity induced robot food delivery. You'll see a lot of activity on rails all over the venue and it looks like a really good time.
https://www.superbrandmall.com/en/store/677e110a4ef30ee9445a3e95
https://www.trip.com/moments/detail/shanghai-2-119183715/
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DScsfXACPec/
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1033557322069988
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9NYA6S7rxw
4. Wechat. This is simply the way to do things in China. This is a translator, a search engine, texting and communication app and more. It's a one stop app to help you get around and do things in China. I'm not even sure what all it does.
We've all heard that AliPay is the way to pay. This seems to be the most efficient way to remotely pay and so many other things. I've never been to China, so I don't have any experience with this stuff but I've heard from people who do have experience. So, whatever you do to make your phone work; esim, local sim, specialized service or whatever; this is what you use for an app apparently. Give it a try.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tencent.mm&hl=en_US
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wechat/id414478124
https://wise.com/us/blog/what-is-wechat
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/04/what-is-wechat-china-biggest-messaging-app.html
5. The Beijing Robot Mall. This isn't in Shanghai, obviously, but I had to mention it. This is brand new and in the E-Town District. This place is four floors of learning for humans, and if you really want to you can buy things.
They have robots, all kinds of them. They have bionic parts, science fiction looking bots and even one that looks like Einstein. It's all robotics. They play soccer, they play musical instruments, they dance, and some even talk. It's a window into the future, even though I'm not sure why I would want robots to play soccer. It's a great tech venue if you happen to be in Beijing. Check ahead for availability. This place is wildly popular and you may need to reserve an entry time.
https://english.beijing.gov.cn/latest/news/202508/t20250812_4171265.html
https://radii.co/article/beijing-e-town-robot-mall
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgm2jed7xvyo
https://www.nationalreview.com/photos/robot-retail/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_dkywmqZjs
These are the amazing things going on around the world that we don't normally hear about. I love to watch YouTube because I learn so much about what's really happening around the world. We've been led to believe that China is the enemy in our world. After seeing all the technology and advances in many fields, I wonder are we just jealous? I hope that we catch up. I would love to see things like this in my country just to say we can make it happen.
That's just my view. It's not for everyone. Comments and questions are always welcome. No, I haven't visited China...yet. What am I up to right now? Check out my YouTube Channel, Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon.
https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresforanyone2025
Go for the gusto. Take on a real adventure and learn so much about the world it will amaze you! Enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to hear thoughts about the places in this blog. Feel free to converse on what you read. Check out my other locations and enjoy the ride.