When talking about Wuzhen, what's the first thing that comes to your mind? Beautiful southern scenery or rich cultural atmosphere?
For me, it's technology and innovation.
The 6th World Internet Conference is held in Wuzhen, China's Zhejiang Province, from October 18 to 22. /CGTN Photo
As the permanent World Internet Conference (WIC) site, Wuzhen has long been more than just a scenic spot, and it's now a perfect combination of classic and modern.
During the 6th WIC, I got a chance to tour the Wuzhen scenic area and discovered various tech elements that are tucked in this ancient water town.
Smartphone saves the day
The smart Wuzhen tourist map highlights all attractions of the Wuzhen scenic area. /CGTN Photo
The maze-like roads of Wuzhen gave me a hard time finding my destinations. With the help of a volunteer, I learned that I could use a smart Wuzhen tourist map on my phone.
The map can be found in the navigation app Amap. Tourists can switch to the "Smart Travel" mode when they are inside the Wuzhen scenic area.
All attractions and service spots, including toilets and wharfs, are highlighted in the map. Tourists can simply click the place they want to go, and the map will navigate them to their destinations.
Each attraction has QR codes on the wall, tourists can scan them to learn more about its history. /CGTN Photo
Each attraction in the water town has QR codes on the wall that tourists can scan to learn more about its history.
New ways of purchasing and recycling
Vending machines in Wuzhen support face-scanning payment. /CGTN Gif
Just when you thought that using your smartphone for payments was convenient enough, there is something else you can use, your face!
Vending machines in Wuzhen support face-scanning payment.
I opened the face-scanning service on Alipay, so I didn't even need to take out my phone to pay for the water. It scans my face and it's done!
Smart recycle bin in Wuzhen trades garbage for money. /CGTN Photo
Disposing of garbage properly can mean more than just helping the environment in this water town.
There are smart recycling bins deployed in Wuzhen. By downloading a certain app, the trash you toss can be traded in for money or points, which you can use later to exchange for different items available on the app.
A night view of Wuzhen. /CGTN Photo
With a history spanning thousands of years, Wuzhen has transformed from an ancient water town to a world-renowned tourist attraction.
Now, Wuzhen is also a symbol of innovation. Every autumn since 2014, internet experts, government officials, and tech entrepreneurs gather here to share ideas and advance their goals.
What more can the WIC bring to this water town? The possibilities are endless.
(CGTN's Xu Jiye also contributed to this story.)