Featured in the 2025 “China in My Eyes —— China’s digital development in my eyes” Essay Contest (4^th), this distinguished work was produced under the joint sponsorship of the International Education Institute and School of Public Administration, with operational execution by the Sichuan Key Laboratory of Digital & Intelligent Public Governance and the Center for West African Studies.

Introduction

Why would anyone want to move to China? That was the first question I was asked whenever I mentioned my decision to pursue higher education in China. For decades, much of the information my part of the world received about China was filtered through Western media, often presenting a skewed or incomplete picture. As a result, assumptions and stereotypes were widespread, painting China as a place of rigid governance, counterfeit products, and an imitation-driven economy.

However, in August 2019, I arrived in China. Anxiety gripped me throughout my journey, from Kotoka International Airport in Accra to my transit stop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and finally to my destination: Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu. I had set my expectations low, determined to embrace whatever I would encounter.

Nevertheless, as the plane descended, my first impression shattered all preconceived notions. The breathtaking night view of Chengdu, with its dazzling lights, impeccable urban planning, and modern architecture, was unlike anything I had imagined. That moment marked the beginning of my journey into understanding the true China, a country that, despite global misconceptions, had emerged as a technological powerhouse.

Over the months and years that followed, I have not only grown to appreciate China’s progress but have also become a firm believer that the world, particularly the West, underestimates China’s contributions to technology and innovation. Since I have a research interest in technology and digitization, I have been particularly drawn to China’s digital transformation. Therefore, in this article, I aim to debunk common assumptions about China's technological advancements by sharing my lived experiences and observations in Chengdu.

China as a Digital Leader

A long-standing misconception is that Chinese technological advancements are mere imitations of the West. However, my time in China has exposed me to an entirely different reality. China is not copying technology; it is pioneering it.

Indeed, China’s rapid ascent as a global technology leader is evident across various fields, from artificial intelligence (AI) to smart cities, digital governance, and industrial software. More importantly, the country's commitment to digital inclusion and infrastructure development has reshaped industries and daily life.

One city that exemplifies this transformation is Chengdu, a rising tech hub known for its strides in AI, digital industries, and smart city development. Unlike the common perception that innovation is concentrated in megacities like Beijing and Shanghai, Chengdu demonstrates that China’s technological progress is widespread, benefiting both urban and rural populations.

Furthermore, China’s digital revolution is built on a solid foundation of infrastructure. With extensive 5G deployment, fiber-optic networks, and satellite internet expansion, the government has ensured digital access even in the most remote regions. Policies such as the "Broadband China" strategy and "Internet Plus" initiative have significantly increased internet penetration, enabling millions to participate in the digital economy.

In particular, Chengdu has emerged as a leading smart city, using digital infrastructure to enhance urban efficiency and governance. My daily life is a testament to these advancements. In my community, facial recognition technology serves as a seamless gateway. I am able to open the gates to my building with just a glance at the facial recognition device or a tap on an app on my phone. Booking hospital appointments has never been easier, as I can effortlessly schedule them through WeChat. What's more, I can consult with a doctor remotely, without the need to leave the comfort of my home. On the Qingshuihe Campus of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), a robot gracefully navigates the pathways, delivering packages to students with exceptional precision, showcasing the city’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into everyday life. These are just a few examples of how technology has been seamlessly woven into everyday life, making tasks more convenient, efficient, and secure.

Additionally, Chengdu has positioned itself as a key player in China’s AI-driven transformation, marking significant strides in various sectors. For instance, the city has implemented AI-powered traffic management systems that optimize vehicle flow in real time. This not only reduces congestion but also minimizes pollution levels. By utilizing big data, Chengdu's traffic signals are adjusted dynamically to enhance traffic efficiency, resulting in smoother commutes and improved air quality.

China’s smart transport system is another game-changer. For example, automated toll collection booths and smart parking systems help reduce congestion and travel time. Additionally, the seamless connection between different modes of transport makes getting around cities like Chengdu simple and eco-friendly.

One of the most efficient and widely used transport options in China is the high-speed rail system. With trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h. Passengers can travel quickly between major cities, making it a preferred mode of transport for both business and leisure. Chengdu’s high-speed rail network connects it to other key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chongqing, and Guangzhou, making long-distance travel highly efficient and convenient.

Moreover, electric buses play a major role in Chengdu’s public transport system. These eco-friendly buses are equipped with smart scheduling systems that optimize routes based on passenger demand. The city has invested heavily in making public transport not only sustainable but also more accessible, with dedicated bus lanes and seamless integration with metro stations.

Similarly, the Chengdu Metro system is another pillar of the city's transport network. It continues to expand, covering more districts and reducing dependence on private cars. The metro is clean, efficient, and easy to use, with digital payment options making transactions quick and seamless.

Ride-sharing services have also transformed urban mobility. Platforms like Didi offer real-time ride matching, ensuring that commuters can find affordable and efficient transport at any time. In addition, bike-sharing services have become a popular choice for short-distance travel, promoting healthier and greener transportation options.

Public safety is one of the defining features that make China stand out. Security cameras are prevalent throughout Chengdu, covering nearly every public space. However, contrary to the portrayal in some Western media, these systems have not resulted in a loss of personal freedom but have instead played a crucial role in making Chengdu one of the safest cities in the world. The intelligent surveillance network has been highly effective in crime prevention, emergency response, and traffic regulation, creating a secure urban environment while allowing residents to go about their daily lives with confidence and peace of mind.

Moreover, Chengdu is at the forefront of E-commerce and FinTech. The city has welcomed the adoption of digital currency, with numerous platforms such as WeChat and Alipay, which are very popular across the country, facilitating secure and seamless transactions. Facial recognition technology is increasingly being integrated into payment systems, providing a secure and convenient way to make transactions. This technology has been adopted by platforms like WeChat and Alipay to enable payments through facial recognition. AI-driven financial services enhance the user experience by offering personalized financial recommendations and ensuring transaction security, further solidifying Chengdu’s role as a leading hub for digital innovation.

One of the most remarkable aspects of China’s digital development is its unwavering commitment to bridging the urban-rural digital divide. Policies such as the "Digital Rural Development Strategy" have extended digital services to marginalized communities, allowing rural entrepreneurs to access e-commerce platforms and financial tools that enhance their livelihoods.

China’s large-scale investment in rural connectivity has yielded impressive results. For example, by 2022, over 99% of villages had broadband access. Furthermore, satellite internet projects have expanded digital services, facilitating online education and smart agriculture.