2025 marks the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan in the Chinese mainland, a roadmap launched in 2021 to turbocharge tech, lifestyle and economic growth. We chatted with international students who've been living the vibe in cities like Chengdu and Shenzhen to see what's up in the past five years.
Smart & comfy city life 🌆 Dinora from Uzbekistan notes that "Cities like Chengdu and Shenzhen are combining comfort with technology." Imagine chatbots helping you hail a ride in seconds, bike-sharing docks popping up on every corner, and digital payments as simple as a tap on your phone—just like your Go-Jek or Grab app back home!
EV takeover ⚡ Noé Comellas from France has been blown away by the surge of electric vehicles. "The most impressive achievement I've witnessed is the rise of electric vehicles," he says. EVs are everywhere—from sleek private cars to e-buses you can hop on for daily commutes—making the air cleaner and roads quieter.
Culture & economy fusion 💼🎨 Beyond gadgets and rides, the plan has fueled creative industries with new grants, festivals and tech hubs. Think anime conventions in Chengdu, livestream shopping events in Shenzhen, and global startup meetups—China's cities are turning into melting pots of ideas, just like the cool coworking spaces in Bangalore or Jakarta.
As young pros in South and Southeast Asia, it's wild to see how urban scenes evolve so fast. Whether you're dreaming of your next smart gadget or eyeing greener commutes, China's last five years offer a glimpse at what's possible when tech and culture collide. 🚀
Share your thoughts: How do you see similar changes in your city? Drop a comment below! 👇
Reference(s):
Foreign youth share views on China's last five years of achievements
cgtn.com
