A Curated Journey into New China: Through China's High-Tech Revolution

I saw a foreigner living in China share this comment after attending the opening ceremony of the world's largest wholesale market.

"China feels like it's living in 2050."

"The amount of new technology there was mind-blowing — from robots and drones to robo-dogs and AI glasses. China has made incredible progress in robotics and drone technology over the past few years."

Many of our clients feel the same way — they want to discover a modern side of China during their trips.

Indeed, exploring "New China" has become one of the most popular travel themes today. We're here to help you make it happen.

Where to See China's Modern Side on Your Trip

You can witness—and even participate in—China's rapid technological development in its most popular tourist destinations, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Hangzhou.

Technology is deeply integrated into daily life, transforming transportation, dining, entertainment, manufacturing, and accommodation.

Here are some experiences we highly recommend to our clients—and now to you as you plan your China trip. Each has been widely praised.

Following these recommendations, we’ve also designed a sample itinerary that combines classic highlights with these modern activities. You can use it as a wonderful starting point for the unique journey we'll craft together.

Ride a Self-Driving Taxi or Bus

Where to experience: Beijing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou

Have Your Meal Delivered by Drone in 30 Minutes

Where to experience: Beijing's Badaling Great Wall, Shenzhen

Watch a Robot Serve Your Food

Where to experience: Available in many popular tourist cities, as this is now common in chain restaurants. Our guides will gladly recommend specific spots.

Enjoy Smart Rooms & Robot Room Service

Where to experience: Select newly built or recently renovated hotels in major cities. Our travel advisors have a curated list and would be happy to make recommendations.

Watch a Drone Light Show

Where to experience: Beijing's Gubei Water Town, Chongqing

How to Plan a "New China" Itinerary

Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen are the four best cities to experience China's rapid high-tech development.

Here's a suggested 8-day itinerary that blends sightseeing, technology, culture, and innovation.

Day 1: Beijing — Step Into China's Tech Evolution

If you want to see how far China's tech has come, museums are the best place to start.

We've picked two of the most interesting ones for you:

• China Science and Technology Museum – Explore interactive exhibits on physics, robotics, energy, and future technologies.
• China Aerospace Museum – Discover China's ambitious space program, including rockets, satellites, and astronaut training.

We'll also arrange a meal at Haidilao Smart Restaurant, where robot waiters serve your hotpot.

Day 2: Beijing — The Forbidden City & Hutongs

Unlike an ordinary visit, the Forbidden City tour we designed reveals how ancient Chinese builders made wooden palaces strong and earthquake-resistant without using a single nail.

It is a fascinating example of early Chinese engineering that connects to modern innovation.

Afterward, start a hutong walking tour to discover local life in old Beijing and try making your own traditional wooden joint.

Day 3: Beijing — The Great Wall & Temple of Heaven

We recommend visiting the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its gentler slopes and multiple ways to explore — you can ride a chairlift up and toboggan down.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, where you'll not only learn about royal rituals but also uncover the secrets behind its circular design — how sound travels magically within its walls.

Days 4–5: Hangzhou — Where China's Cashless Began

After visiting the Summer Palace in the morning, take China's G-series bullet train to Hangzhou, covering over 1,200 km at 300–350 km/h — an experience of Chinese engineering speed and comfort.

Hangzhou is more than just West Lake. It's one of the best cities to explore China's cutting-edge tech, being the birthplace of Alibaba and Alipay. Experience cashless living and AI shopping everywhere you go.

For a deeper look into China’s high-tech developments, visit the Wensan Future Technology Center. There you can see the latest innovations from Alibaba, Unitree Robotics, and DeepSeek — from AI assistants to humanoid robots.

Days 6–8: Shanghai — Explore Futuristic Skyscrapers

In Shanghai, visit the Shanghai Tower, the city's tallest skyscraper, to see how it withstands typhoons and earthquakes, and enjoy a stunning light show.

Stroll along the Bund, the famous riverside promenade that captures the essence of Shanghai's futuristic skyline.

Before you leave, end your trip on a thrilling note — ride the Shanghai Maglev, the world's fastest commercial train, flying at 430 km/h powered by magnetic levitation.