China, which is proud of four great inventions in ancient times, has once again showed its ability to change the world with its "four new great inventions": high-speed railways, mobile payments, shared bicycles and online shopping.
The four innovative ways of life were the most attractive to youths from 20 countries taking part in the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, according to a survey by the Belt and Road Research Institute (BRRI) of Beijing Foreign Studies University.
"The 'four new great inventions' are all linked to China's high-tech innovation, which has improved the quality of people's lives," said Wu Hao, a director of the BRRI.
"My wallet is no longer in use. I can buy and eat whatever I want simply with a fingertip on my phone," said Lin Jinlong, an overseas Chinese student from Cambodia, adding that even pancake sellers are using Alipay (mobile payment). "We can also order food at home, which is super convenient. If I were at home in Cambodia, I would have to go outdoors."
The bikes themselves are not new, but the operating mode of bike-sharing is based on satellite navigation system, mobile payment, big data and other high technologies.
"China has entered a new innovative time," said Bernhard Schwartlander, World Health Organization Representative in China. As a huge fan of bicycles, he also expressed his love for China's shared bicycles, saying that "shared bikes are bringing cycling back to people's lives".
Rebacca Fannin, a founder and editor of Silicon Dragon, noted that China is beginning to lead in innovation in some ways. "It is increasingly clear that China is innovating and no longer copying Western ideas," she said.
A growing number of foreigners hope to push economic development in their home countries by focusing on the need for technological achievements like that of China. Lin mentioned his experience of taking the high-speed train from Beijing to the coastal city of Tianjin, which is more than 100 km away. The journey took only half an hour, while in Cambodia, which has only two railways, such a journey may take up to three hours.
