MEET CHINA Episode 41

In this episode of "Meet China," we explore how innovative approaches have led to new opportunities and high accolades — through environmental sustainability, robotics, industrial innovation, and storytelling. From a district in Chongqing exploring new urban drainage approaches, to high-end robotics, and 600-year-old traditional opera winning accolades, we follow stories that reflect China's expanding global engagement and the human experiences behind it.

First, we visit Bishan District in Chongqing, which is rewriting the rules of urban drainage with its sponge city approach. By adopting permeable bricks, the ground was enabled to "breathe". What’s more, rain gardens serve as natural reservoirs, and school rooftops become lush green oases. Overall, thanks to this innovative approach, urban flooding was mitigated and the microclimate improved - an ecological urban model that truly deserves a thumbs-up!

Next, we witness unprecedented visuals captured with high-speed cinematography, which reveal cutting-edge robotic innovations thriving in complex natural operating environments. Over seven years, Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics has achieved a remarkable evolution from quadruped robots to advanced humanoid systems, demonstrating extraordinary technological acceleration that redefines industry expectations.

Then, we move across to Harbin, the industrial anchor of Northeast China, which once known as the nation's foremost manufacturing powerhouse. Now navigating post-industrial transitions, this frostbelt metropolis and its resilient dreamers are scripting a reinvention saga - where a decade of perseverance has ignited an urban renaissance.

Finally, we take a look at China's 600-year-old opera origin, Kunqu, which mesmerizes with lyrical artistry. The Northern Kunqu Theatre's The Legend of the White Snake has globally toured to Greece, Italy, and the UK, securing the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Asian Arts Award for Best Production. CGTN interviews four young performers embodying the leads. They decode Kunqu's unique vocals, global reception, and Gen-Z innovations blending tradition with tech-enhanced staging.