Facial recognition is playing a growing role in Chinese society. It's a key element in new security efforts in cities such as Beijing. The technology is also changing the way people shop. Jane Kiyo has the story.

It has all the hallmarks of a regular convenience store. But shopping here is far from routine. You don't need your wallet. Just your face.

ZHANG ZHITONG PUBLIC RELATIONS, JD.COM "After scanning your face, the system is able to determine who you are, what your Jingdong account is and your payment details when you are leaving, the camera will scan you again and automatically deduct payment from your Account."

1.4-billion faces are stored on China's national databases - which makes facial recognition a potent tool for security services. But it's in big demand too in banking and retail. Shoppers merely sign up to a JD.COM account, via their smartphone. Once they've been verified, they can shop freely, there are no queues, nor cashiers. Payments are deducted from their account, as they leave the store. Cameras track customers, scanners track what they're buying - so restocking is more efficient. Labour costs are very low.

ZHANG ZHITONG PUBLIC RELATIONS JD.COM "So we are using this technology to empower and transform the traditional offline retail model. Actually, Jingdong wants to do these things, mainly because of how we see ourselves. In the era of unbounded retail, we are the service providers of infrastructure."

So far JD.COM has six stores using facial recognition. The company is convinced more and more customers are buying into the idea.

JANE KIYO BEIJING JD believes this is the future of retail shopping. It wants to push the limits further by opening more and even larger unmanned stores in China and around the world. JK, CGTN, BJ, CHINA.