China's biggest online retailer Alibaba has introduced a new plan for interacting with consumers, and this time in one of the least expected places to shop -- the public restroom. The e-commerce giant is using smart technologies to make shoppers think twice about rushing out of one of the most commonly used spaces in a day. CGTN's Ren Xueqian brings us more from Hangzhou.

Probably some of the least exciting parts about shopping are waiting in line at the checkout and going to the restroom when nature calls. But in a time of heightened awareness about quality of living, mega Chinese online retailer T-mall, which is owned and operated by Alibaba, has transformed even the most mundane places into one that shoppers, especially female consumers, might not mind staying longer in than needed.

REN XUEQIAN HANGZHOU "While waiting in line to use the restrooms, shoppers now will have the option to approach any one of these machines behind me to continue their shopping. So if your phone isn't enough to keep you entertained, these might be a new solution."

Showcased at the West Lake Intime Shopping Mall in Hangzhou, this "smart dressing room" contains high-tech mirrors that allow indecisive shoppers to try on different beauty products before making a purchase. An automatic vending machine that offers personal care and feminine hygiene products is also installed for those looking for more than just a new lipstick.

SHOPPER "I just bought this big bottle of mouthwash for 0.01 yuan, the machine also sells mascara and sanitary pads which I think is really convenient for female shoppers."

SHOPPER "Going to the restroom feels like a new experience now, there are more things to do while waiting in line."

Alibaba's latest high-tech initiative coincides with China's drive to build cleaner public restrooms across the country. Though these smart machines can't actually speed up the queue inside the restrooms, they can create a more captive environment and attract new customers.

ZHANG JUN CUSTOMER SERVICE, WEST LAKE INTIME MALL "The virtual mirrors and machine selling different products have turned the restroom into more of a dressing room than just a place where one usually rushes in and out of to take care of physical needs."

With smart technologies continuing to define consumer needs, Tmall said more products will be added to the machines in the future, expanding services for both shoppers and businesses.

CHEN BINGCHAO TMALL FAST MOVING CONSUMER GOODS MARKETING DIRECTOR "In addition to serving female needs, this platform has also opened doors for suppliers of such goods to showcase their products to more consumers."

With its first "smart ladies' room" already rolled out, Tmall is aiming to install such facilities at every Intime Shopping Mall across China by next month. When asked if public restrooms for men would receive a similar digital upgrade, Tmall said it's a possibility and a high-tech mirror for male users might be one of them. Ren Xuqian, CGTN, in Hangzhou.