Beijing's 12345 public service hotline gives residents a channel to raise concerns and get help from government departments. During a visit to the hotline center, international media representatives learned how digital technology and AI are being used to make public services easier to reach and faster to use.

The system makes people's voices heard, the visitors said. Tech lends a helping hand too, especially to vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities. Some said they could take lessons home, to help the smooth running of their own cities.