Chongchuan district in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, installed three sets of solar-powered smart public seats this year in the popular tourist destination Haohe River scenic area.

The seats are designed to be comfortable and allow people to charge their phones.

Two sets of seats look like regular chairs, with a surface made of tempered glass.

However, hidden beneath the glass surface are photovoltaic panels, while the legs of the seat house batteries and USB ports. The solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, which is then stored in the batteries for visitors to use.

The third seat includes two solar-powered seats, a rain shelter, a table, and a charging outlet on the black box atop the table.

Additionally, lighting devices are installed above the shelter, which will automatically turn on after dark. Equipped with Bluetooth speakers, visitors can connect their phones to the seats and enjoy music while charging their devices.

These smart charging devices are supplied by Jiangsu Kuangyuan New Energy Technology Co Ltd.

According to Li Ning, a spokesperson for the company, visitors with wireless charging phones can also charge their phones by placing them in the designated charging induction area above the seats.

Moving forward, local authorities plan to install more seats at suitable locations throughout the Haohe River scenic area to provide greater convenience for visitors and tourists.

A solar-powered smart public seat in the Haohe River scenic area. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

A man charges his phone at the solar-powered smart public seat. [Photo/Nantong Daily]