Fiveable
Fiveable
pep
Fiveable
Fiveable

or

Log in

Find what you need to study


Light

4.3 Technology in Contemporary Chinese Life

7 min readjanuary 3, 2023

user_sophia9212

user_sophia9212

user_sophia9212

user_sophia9212

Use of Technology in Chinese Museums

Chinese museums are significant cultural institutions that provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about and experience the rich history, art, and culture of China. These museums are home to a vast array of artifacts, artworks, and other cultural treasures that tell the story of China's past and present. In addition to serving as important cultural centers, Chinese museums also play a key role in the country's tourism industry, attracting millions of visitors each year from around the world. Nowadays, many Chinese museums use technology to produce interactive exhibits, educational programs, and other resources that allow visitors to engage with the material in a more immersive and hands-on way. 

Technology has been used to enhance the experiences of tourists in a variety of ways, for example:

  • Audio guides: Many museums offer audio guides that provide visitors with additional information and context about the exhibits they are viewing. These can be accessed through handheld devices or through smartphone apps.

  • Online resources: Many museums have developed online resources, such as virtual tours and educational videos, that allow visitors to learn about the exhibits and the museum's collection from the comfort of their own homes.

  • Social media: Museums have also used social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to promote their exhibits and engage with visitors.

  • Digital ticketing and payments: Museums have also implemented digital ticketing and payment systems to make it easier for visitors to purchase tickets and make payments for services, such as guided tours and special events.

Museums have also used VR and AR technology to make their exhibitions more interactive and accessible. Some examples include:

  • The National Museum of China in Beijing: The National Museum of China uses virtual reality (VR) technology to take visitors on virtual tours of ancient Chinese cities, including famous tourist destinations in Xi'an and Luoyang.

  • The Shanghai Museum: The Shanghai Museum has implemented a number of technological initiatives to enhance the visitor experience, including the use of virtual reality (VR) technology to create interactive exhibits. The museum has also developed a number of online resources, such as virtual tours and educational videos, that are available on its website.

  • The Great Wall Museum in Beijing: The Great Wall Museum has implemented the use of virtual reality (VR) technology to take visitors on virtual tours of the Great Wall, including sections that may be difficult to access in person. VR creates an opportunity for people to experience the Great Wall even without having to climb it themselves.

  • The Hunan Provincial Museum: The Hunan Provincial Museum has a VR exhibit that allows visitors to experience the history and culture of the Hunan province, including its ancient cities, temples, and landscapes.

  • The Hubei Provincial Museum: The Hubei Provincial Museum is a museum located in Wuhan, China has a VR exhibit that takes visitors on a virtual tour of the ancient city of Wuhan and its famous Yellow Crane Tower. The museum has several interactive exhibits that allow visitors to engage with the exhibits in a more immersive and hands-on way. This can include touchscreens, augmented reality (AR) displays, and other interactive elements.

Impact of Technology on Chinese People's Everyday Lives

Technology has had a significant impact on everyday life for many people in China. It has transformed the way that people communicate, work, and access information and services, and has made many aspects of daily life more convenient and efficient. This is particularly true in the areas of online banking, ride-sharing, delivery services, and online shopping.

Online Banking in China

Online banking has become a popular way for Chinese people to manage their finances and make payments. Mobile banking apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay allow users to do a wide range of tasks, including:

  • Checking account balances and transaction history: Users can view their account balances and transaction history on their mobile banking app, making it easy to keep track of their finances.

  • Making payments: Users can make payments for a wide range of goods and services using their mobile banking app, including paying bills, making purchases online, and transferring money to other people.

  • Managing credit cards: Users can also use their mobile banking app to manage their credit cards, including viewing their balances, making payments, and tracking their spending.

  • Receiving and sending money: Mobile banking apps also make it easy for users to receive and send money to other people, either through the app itself or using QR codes. This eliminates the need to carry cash or visit a bank in person to transfer money.

Online banking has made it easier and more convenient for Chinese people to manage their finances and make payments, without having to visit a bank or carry cash. It has also made it easier for people to transfer money to others, whether for personal or business purposes. WeChat Pay has become so popular that you can even buy street food by scanning the food vendor’s WeChat Pay QR code!

Ride-sharing in China

Ride-sharing platforms such as Didi Chuxing and Meituan have become popular options for Chinese people to get around, especially in cities where public transportation may not be readily available. These platforms allow users to book a ride with a few taps on their phone and pay for it electronically, eliminating the need to hail a taxi or navigate unfamiliar public transportation systems.

Some specific ways in which ride-sharing has increased convenience for Chinese people include:

  • Ease of use: Ride-sharing platforms are easy to use, with user-friendly apps that allow users to quickly book a ride and track their driver's progress.

  • Accessibility: Ride-sharing platforms are available in many cities across China, making it easy for people to find a ride no matter where they are.

  • Payment options: Most ride-sharing platforms allow users to pay for their rides using their mobile banking app, eliminating the need to carry cash or a credit card.

  • Safety: Many ride-sharing platforms have safety features in place, such as in-app tracking and ratings systems for drivers, to help ensure that users have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Ride-sharing has made it easier and more convenient for Chinese people to get around, especially in cities where public transportation may not be readily available. It has also made it easier for people to access a range of transportation options, from traditional taxis to shared rides, depending on their needs and preferences.

Delivery Services in China

Delivery services in China have become an integral part of daily life, with many Chinese people relying on them to receive packages and other items. There are a wide range of delivery services available in China, including:

  • Online shopping delivery: Many online retailers in China, such as Taobao and JD.com, offer delivery services to customers. This allows people to shop online and have their purchases delivered directly to their home or office.

  • Food delivery: Platforms such as Ele.me and Meituan allow users to order food from a wide range of restaurants and have it delivered to their home or office. This has made it easier for people to enjoy a wide range of cuisines without having to go out to a restaurant.

  • Parcel delivery: There are also many companies that specialize in delivering packages and other items within China and internationally. These companies offer a range of delivery options, from same-day delivery to standard shipping.

  • On-demand delivery: In addition to these services, there are also on-demand delivery platforms such as Shunfeng and Dada that allow users to request delivery of a wide range of items, from groceries to household goods.

Delivery services have made it easier and more convenient for Chinese people to receive a wide range of goods and services, without having to go out to a store or restaurant. They have also made it easier for people to access a wide range of products and services from the comfort of their own homes.

Online Shopping in China

Online shopping has become a popular and convenient way for Chinese people to purchase a wide range of goods and services. There are many online retailers in China, including:

  • Taobao: Taobao is an online shopping platform operated by Alibaba Group. It offers a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, home goods, and more.

  • JD.com: JD.com is another major online retailer in China that offers a wide range of products, including electronics, home goods, and more.

  • Tmall: Tmall is another online shopping platform operated by Alibaba Group. It primarily focuses on high-end and brand name products.

  • Pinduoduo: Pinduoduo is a newer online shopping platform that offers a wide range of products at discounted prices. It has become particularly popular with younger consumers.

Online shopping in China has become popular for a number of reasons, including the convenience of shopping from home, the wide range of products available, and the ability to compare prices and read reviews from other consumers. It has also been made more convenient by the availability of delivery services, which allow people to have their purchases delivered directly to their home or office. Overall, online shopping has had a significant impact on the way Chinese people shop and has made it easier and more convenient for people to access a wide range of products and services.

Key Terms to Review (1)

中国特色社会主义

: China's socialist system with Chinese characteristics. It refers to the unique path of socialism that China has taken, combining Marxist principles with Chinese realities.

4.3 Technology in Contemporary Chinese Life

7 min readjanuary 3, 2023

user_sophia9212

user_sophia9212

user_sophia9212

user_sophia9212

Use of Technology in Chinese Museums

Chinese museums are significant cultural institutions that provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about and experience the rich history, art, and culture of China. These museums are home to a vast array of artifacts, artworks, and other cultural treasures that tell the story of China's past and present. In addition to serving as important cultural centers, Chinese museums also play a key role in the country's tourism industry, attracting millions of visitors each year from around the world. Nowadays, many Chinese museums use technology to produce interactive exhibits, educational programs, and other resources that allow visitors to engage with the material in a more immersive and hands-on way. 

Technology has been used to enhance the experiences of tourists in a variety of ways, for example:

  • Audio guides: Many museums offer audio guides that provide visitors with additional information and context about the exhibits they are viewing. These can be accessed through handheld devices or through smartphone apps.

  • Online resources: Many museums have developed online resources, such as virtual tours and educational videos, that allow visitors to learn about the exhibits and the museum's collection from the comfort of their own homes.

  • Social media: Museums have also used social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to promote their exhibits and engage with visitors.

  • Digital ticketing and payments: Museums have also implemented digital ticketing and payment systems to make it easier for visitors to purchase tickets and make payments for services, such as guided tours and special events.

Museums have also used VR and AR technology to make their exhibitions more interactive and accessible. Some examples include:

  • The National Museum of China in Beijing: The National Museum of China uses virtual reality (VR) technology to take visitors on virtual tours of ancient Chinese cities, including famous tourist destinations in Xi'an and Luoyang.

  • The Shanghai Museum: The Shanghai Museum has implemented a number of technological initiatives to enhance the visitor experience, including the use of virtual reality (VR) technology to create interactive exhibits. The museum has also developed a number of online resources, such as virtual tours and educational videos, that are available on its website.

  • The Great Wall Museum in Beijing: The Great Wall Museum has implemented the use of virtual reality (VR) technology to take visitors on virtual tours of the Great Wall, including sections that may be difficult to access in person. VR creates an opportunity for people to experience the Great Wall even without having to climb it themselves.

  • The Hunan Provincial Museum: The Hunan Provincial Museum has a VR exhibit that allows visitors to experience the history and culture of the Hunan province, including its ancient cities, temples, and landscapes.

  • The Hubei Provincial Museum: The Hubei Provincial Museum is a museum located in Wuhan, China has a VR exhibit that takes visitors on a virtual tour of the ancient city of Wuhan and its famous Yellow Crane Tower. The museum has several interactive exhibits that allow visitors to engage with the exhibits in a more immersive and hands-on way. This can include touchscreens, augmented reality (AR) displays, and other interactive elements.

Impact of Technology on Chinese People's Everyday Lives

Technology has had a significant impact on everyday life for many people in China. It has transformed the way that people communicate, work, and access information and services, and has made many aspects of daily life more convenient and efficient. This is particularly true in the areas of online banking, ride-sharing, delivery services, and online shopping.

Online Banking in China

Online banking has become a popular way for Chinese people to manage their finances and make payments. Mobile banking apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay allow users to do a wide range of tasks, including:

  • Checking account balances and transaction history: Users can view their account balances and transaction history on their mobile banking app, making it easy to keep track of their finances.

  • Making payments: Users can make payments for a wide range of goods and services using their mobile banking app, including paying bills, making purchases online, and transferring money to other people.

  • Managing credit cards: Users can also use their mobile banking app to manage their credit cards, including viewing their balances, making payments, and tracking their spending.

  • Receiving and sending money: Mobile banking apps also make it easy for users to receive and send money to other people, either through the app itself or using QR codes. This eliminates the need to carry cash or visit a bank in person to transfer money.

Online banking has made it easier and more convenient for Chinese people to manage their finances and make payments, without having to visit a bank or carry cash. It has also made it easier for people to transfer money to others, whether for personal or business purposes. WeChat Pay has become so popular that you can even buy street food by scanning the food vendor’s WeChat Pay QR code!

Ride-sharing in China

Ride-sharing platforms such as Didi Chuxing and Meituan have become popular options for Chinese people to get around, especially in cities where public transportation may not be readily available. These platforms allow users to book a ride with a few taps on their phone and pay for it electronically, eliminating the need to hail a taxi or navigate unfamiliar public transportation systems.

Some specific ways in which ride-sharing has increased convenience for Chinese people include:

  • Ease of use: Ride-sharing platforms are easy to use, with user-friendly apps that allow users to quickly book a ride and track their driver's progress.

  • Accessibility: Ride-sharing platforms are available in many cities across China, making it easy for people to find a ride no matter where they are.

  • Payment options: Most ride-sharing platforms allow users to pay for their rides using their mobile banking app, eliminating the need to carry cash or a credit card.

  • Safety: Many ride-sharing platforms have safety features in place, such as in-app tracking and ratings systems for drivers, to help ensure that users have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Ride-sharing has made it easier and more convenient for Chinese people to get around, especially in cities where public transportation may not be readily available. It has also made it easier for people to access a range of transportation options, from traditional taxis to shared rides, depending on their needs and preferences.

Delivery Services in China

Delivery services in China have become an integral part of daily life, with many Chinese people relying on them to receive packages and other items. There are a wide range of delivery services available in China, including:

  • Online shopping delivery: Many online retailers in China, such as Taobao and JD.com, offer delivery services to customers. This allows people to shop online and have their purchases delivered directly to their home or office.

  • Food delivery: Platforms such as Ele.me and Meituan allow users to order food from a wide range of restaurants and have it delivered to their home or office. This has made it easier for people to enjoy a wide range of cuisines without having to go out to a restaurant.

  • Parcel delivery: There are also many companies that specialize in delivering packages and other items within China and internationally. These companies offer a range of delivery options, from same-day delivery to standard shipping.

  • On-demand delivery: In addition to these services, there are also on-demand delivery platforms such as Shunfeng and Dada that allow users to request delivery of a wide range of items, from groceries to household goods.

Delivery services have made it easier and more convenient for Chinese people to receive a wide range of goods and services, without having to go out to a store or restaurant. They have also made it easier for people to access a wide range of products and services from the comfort of their own homes.

Online Shopping in China

Online shopping has become a popular and convenient way for Chinese people to purchase a wide range of goods and services. There are many online retailers in China, including:

  • Taobao: Taobao is an online shopping platform operated by Alibaba Group. It offers a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, home goods, and more.

  • JD.com: JD.com is another major online retailer in China that offers a wide range of products, including electronics, home goods, and more.

  • Tmall: Tmall is another online shopping platform operated by Alibaba Group. It primarily focuses on high-end and brand name products.

  • Pinduoduo: Pinduoduo is a newer online shopping platform that offers a wide range of products at discounted prices. It has become particularly popular with younger consumers.

Online shopping in China has become popular for a number of reasons, including the convenience of shopping from home, the wide range of products available, and the ability to compare prices and read reviews from other consumers. It has also been made more convenient by the availability of delivery services, which allow people to have their purchases delivered directly to their home or office. Overall, online shopping has had a significant impact on the way Chinese people shop and has made it easier and more convenient for people to access a wide range of products and services.

Key Terms to Review (1)

中国特色社会主义

: China's socialist system with Chinese characteristics. It refers to the unique path of socialism that China has taken, combining Marxist principles with Chinese realities.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.