China in My Eyes

Suresh Bhandari from the School of Architecture and Planning at Yunnan University. [Photo/WeChat account of School of International Chinese Language Education, Yunnan University]

During my time studying in China, I was deeply impressed by its rapid development, especially its strong achievements in technology and services. My life was greatly simplified, which enabled me to complete different tasks at an unprecedented speed and convenience.

When I first came to China, I was shocked by how digital it was. I remember buying a bottle of water at a store one time shortly after arriving, and as I was reaching for my wallet, I saw that everyone else was using their phones to pay. I felt a bit awkward about this new type of payment at first, so I had to ask the people next to me: "Does this store not accept cash?" The friendly stranger smiled at me, "Is this your first time coming to China?" I said, "Yes." He explained carefully, "In China, most people use their phones or bank cards to pay and hardly ever use cash." It blew my mind. However, I soon discovered that mobile payment has become rather common in large supermarkets and small shops, among both the young and the elderly. I could not believe it. When I first started to use WeChat or Alipay to pay, I was still a bit concerned about the security issues. However, I gradually became used to it, and it made me appreciate how digital technology can transform life for the better.

I was also impressed by China's online shopping. Whether using the computer or phone, you can shop easily and conveniently anytime, anywhere. The diversity of shopping software and the variety of products make it super easy to find just what I need, and it is even cheaper than physical stores. Free and fast delivery is another highlight of online shopping. Shopping online is so simple and convenient - it has become a part of my life. Now, nearly everything I need is purchased online, and I do not have to worry about the price or quality.

In addition, the booming development of China's food delivery services provides me with unparalleled convenience. I can order whatever I want without going out or worrying about long queues. Such convenient experiences made me realize China's strength in technology and services.

The development of China's transportation system has also far exceeded anything I could have imagined. Major breakthroughs in different types of transportation infrastructure such as highways, railways, roads, bridges and airports have made travel and logistics far more convenient and efficient than before. The launch of high-speed rail shortens the distance between cities, bringing the entire nation closer together. In places such as supermarkets, restaurants, libraries, hospitals, subway stations and other places, the application of AI technology can be easily spotted. Self-payment machines make shopping more convenient; self-checkout machines in the library make it quicker and easier to borrow and return books; and the queuing machine in the hospital outpatient clinic ensures everything flows smoothly. I was particularly impressed by the facial recognition ticket-checking system at the airport, eliminating the need to carry around a physical ticket. The application of such high-end technology made me realize how far China has come.

From my point of view, China, home to the largest population of any country on earth, provides its people with such efficient life services and is developing at an unbelievable speed. My days in China are full of surprises. In an era when everything is developing rapidly, I am eager to see how China will continue to change and appreciate the unique charm of the country.