China is stepping up its efforts to build smart cities by incorporating the latest digital technologies into various aspects of urban life. Recently, passengers traveling between Beijing Daxing International Airport and Yizhuang in Beijing had the option to experience driverless robotaxis at their fingertips.
While safety drivers oversee the operations of these autonomous vehicles, the advancement in self-driving technology signifies a major milestone in Beijing’s intelligent transportation sector. These robotaxis effortlessly navigate a 40 km highway journey and smoothly pass through toll stations along the way.
Yizhuang, an area in Beijing, established an autonomous driving demonstration zone in 2020, showcasing an interconnected network of intelligent vehicles, smart roads, and cloud technologies. Through vehicle-road collaboration, cars receive real-time traffic information, leading to enhanced road safety and efficiency.
Beijing recently expanded its designated autonomous driving zone and equipped over 400 road intersections and 10 km of expressways with intelligent facilities. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Transport identified Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou among 20 pilot areas for the application of integrated intelligent networks.
China’s robust communication infrastructure, including over 3.83 million 5G base stations, supports the development of smart cities by enabling seamless connectivity. The country leads in generative AI patent applications, showcasing its commitment to innovation in digital technologies.
In addition to transforming urban transport and addressing traffic-related issues, digital technology is revolutionizing emergency management in Chinese cities. Chongqing introduced an intelligent flood prevention and rescue system, utilizing real-time data monitoring to ensure effective disaster response.
China unveiled a guideline to promote smart cities’ development and urban digital transformation, aiming for more livable and resilient urban centers by 2027. Despite challenges like data sharing and security, experts remain optimistic about the positive impact of smart city initiatives in China.
