My favorite part about writing is sharing. And when I share, I include my stream of conscience, which means I tend to share many of my own unsolicited opinions. I hope as people read these posts, they can get to know me and enjoy a casual conversation about the many mind-blowing things I encounter. To give myself more structure and focus, I will prioritize the fun and techy aspects of my daily life. To make this more casual, I want to start each post with small day-to-day events unfolding in my life. Let’s start this fun journey!
It’s early June and I just came back from a wonderful trip to China. China is well known for being at the forefront of adopting revolutionary technology and living it as a tourist is a unique experience.
In China, everything you need is truly at the tip of your finger, making daily life more convenient and streamlined. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, living in the moment is easier with the country’s seamless integration of cutting-edge technology.
Imagine you’re in Shanghai and decide to take a quick trip to Hangzhou. No need to stress over complicated bookings or long waits — a Maglev train departs every 15 minutes, whisking you away at breathtaking speeds. Open your Alipay app, purchase a ticket within seconds, and you’re on your way. The process is so effortless you can go from planning to boarding with just a few taps on your smartphone.
Craving a bite at a restaurant you’ve been eyeing for days? No need to rush over and stand in line. Just pull up Dianping, China’s go-to app for dining, and join the restaurant’s waitlist from the comfort of your hotel room. You’ll receive real-time updates on your position in the queue, allowing you to relax or explore the city while you wait.
Worried about carrying a bulky wallet? Physical wallets have almost become a thing of the past. Thanks to the widespread use of mobile payments, you can manage your finances digitally. Whether you’re at a high-end mall or a local street vendor, scan a QR code to complete your transaction. Cash and cards are no longer necessary — everything can be done through your smartphone, making payments fast, secure, and hassle-free.
While these were some of the more flashy tech experiences, I also noticed a handful of small, practical conveniences that improved the overall travel experience. These little touches made navigating the country much more efficient and stress-free.
I started off with one of my favorites: strong phone service and free high-speed Wi-Fi in metro stations. While this may not seem like a big deal, it was extremely useful, especially as a traveler trying to get around an unfamiliar city. Having reliable internet underground meant I could check maps, plan my route, and be on the phone without worrying about losing service during my commute. It made using public transportation feel much easier and more connected.
Another feature I loved about public transport in China was the real-time display screens. One of my pet peeves about public transit in the States is the unreliability and poor predictive arrival times that drive me nuts when I plan a commute. Having nice screens that accurately estimated arrival times and down to the second made it much easier to plan my day and saved me from wondering how long I’d be waiting for the next ride.
Overall, reflecting on my trip, I did very little waiting. I cannot remember waiting for elevators because most buildings had smart elevator systems that grouped people based on the floor they were going to. You indicate your destination on an interactive screen, and an elevator will be assigned to take you to your floor. At restaurants, I never felt like I had to wait for staff to come around to my table to grab their attention. Many restaurants had buzzers at the table that I could press when I needed assistance. It was a small touch, but it made the experience more relaxed, especially in busy restaurants.
I could go on and on about the little things that blew me away, but when I was in China, I wondered why we could bring some of these conveniences home. We already have smart parcel lockers at Whole Foods that make picking up and returning items we buy from Amazon more convenient. Why not have more parcel lockers at busy locations like public transit stations?
These conveniences, while subtle, contributed to a much more efficient and enjoyable travel experience. They didn’t overwhelm the trip, but they definitely helped eliminate many of the usual frustrations that come with navigating a new place. It was clear that technology in China has been thoughtfully integrated into daily life, making it easier for both locals and visitors to go about their day. For me, these small innovations were a quiet but valuable part of the overall experience.