Stories from Beijing · China

China's tourism sector is experiencing a boom, with holiday travel numbers reaching levels. The complexity of China's transportation is becoming increasingly difficult to solve, but the tourism sector may usher in broader development space. China's inbound tourism experienced a surge during the recent May 1st holiday, with over 8,000 tax refund stores nationwide offering expedited services. High travel demand during the May Day holiday, combined with school breaks, led to robust passenger flow on railways. From April 29 to May 6, the national railway system transported a large number of travelers. Airports are enhancing cultural and tourism integration, promoting travel with local cuisine and scenery to boost passenger numbers. Increased international flights and optimized customs clearance are attracting more foreign tourists to China.

China has developed high-horsepower tractors, with the largest reaching 450 horsepower, capable of operating in various terrains including mountains, forests, paddy fields, plains, and orchards. Previously, the core technology for high-horsepower tractors was controlled by foreign entities, with early models only ranging from 20 to 30 horsepower. These new tractors meet diverse market demands. These advancements are driven by independent research and development to meet market demands. The focus is on ensuring quality control and innovation in engineering. New high-horsepower tractor technology has been developed to handle diverse terrain. Data sharing has increased by 10 billion instances annually. The number of national Level 4 or higher open data platforms grew by 7.1% in 2020 and explosively by 31.71% in 2025.

Production command centers can now view real-time data from every oil and water well, along with live construction footage, a capability previously unimaginable. This technology is contributing to improved output and operational effectiveness within the sector. The application of these systems is a key focus for companies aiming to optimize resource extraction. Intelligent systems are being used to improve work efficiency and quality control in production. Field patrols now utilize technology rather than solely relying on manual methods. These systems allow for real-time monitoring of every oil and water well, including live video feeds of site operations. This represents a advancement from previous manual inspection methods that relied on walking extensive distances and manual checks. Previously, manual inspection and labor were the primary methods for monitoring operations.

The Longfu Temple street area in Beijing, with a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty, is undergoing cultural renewal. The area is known for its unique 'treasure hunting' dim sum, where customers can excavate edible replicas of historical artifacts. The Longfu Fourth Street block saw nearly 8 million visitors in 2025. Century-old brands in the district are implementing strategies to attract younger demographics, such as incorporating local landmarks and cultural artifacts into food products. A Singaporean tourist reported visiting the area for slow tourism after discovering the district's blend of traditional alleys and artistic spaces on social media. The renewal process, which began around March, aims to integrate traditional atmosphere with contemporary trends.

DIY craft kits, such as those involving building miniature scenes with stickers, are becoming popular among young people. These kits offer a way to de-stress and express individuality, with some costing as little as 39.9 yuan for a full day of use. The process of assembling these detailed models is described as therapeutic and requires patience and meticulousness. The tactile nature of the activity, involving simple hand movements, is found to be comforting and helps develop patience and attention to detail. The appeal lies in the simple, repetitive actions of creation, offering a sense of accomplishment and stress relief. A DIY craft store was found to be very popular, with many customers in kindergarten, elementary school, and young couples. Customers can choose from fixed patterns or customize designs by converting images into printable formats.

A creator named Xiao Zhang is producing farm-themed products using 3D printers. This approach is described as an experiential economy that satisfies emotions. This creative outlet provides him with satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment, aligning with concepts of experiential economy and emotional consumption. 3D printing technology is being utilized for rapid prototyping, with specific mention of its application in assembling chassis and fitting sub-wheels. A hobbyist uses 3D printers to bring ideas to life, spending evenings and weekends on creations. For custom logos like the 'Economic Voice' logo, customers need to convert their images into printable formats using software before submission.

In the current stage of intelligent development, embracing intelligence is, not to replace humans, but to assist in refining work, stabilizing quality, and increasing efficiency. Artificial intelligence is seen as a tool to enhance work, not replace humans. A dedication to work, referred to as 'labor spirit,' is seen as for improving production efficiency, quality control, and innovation within teams. This initiative is part of a broader plan focusing on seven key areas, including creation, dissemination, learning, urban development, and future technologies. Engineers are implementing AI reasoning and processing for data, ensuring that all data interactions occur through compliant channels without direct interaction with the internal public internet. A new aircraft model facilitates real-time communication between pilots and air traffic control.

A leader in AI development should possess autonomy and creativity to foster a synergistic environment where input leads to outcomes greater than the sum of their parts.

The speaker said the importance of cultivating skilled technicians to bolster national resource and supply chain security. Maintaining national resource and supply chain security begins with diligent attention to fundamental tasks, such as securing a single screw. The speaker believes that cultivating one more skilled technician capable of independent work strengthens the security of the resource chain. Ensuring the security of national resource chains depends on diligent work at every level, even starting with small tasks like maintaining screws. This perspective said that even seemingly minor actions contribute to the larger goal of security. Cultivating more capable workshop technicians is seen as a way to strengthen the foundation of resource chain security.

A Chinese village has undergone transformation through art and tourism, characterized by its decorative style, elegant design, rich colors, and precious flowers.