- Insights This article was written by a TIA community member. Insights pieces undergo the same rigorous editorial process that newsroom-produced articles have.
Jacinta Lim · · 7 min read2 weeks in China showed me what the country’s tech scene is actually like
At the invitation of the Chinese government, I spent the last two weeks in Guangdong, getting to know its tech ecosystem and exploring opportunities for collaboration.
Here are some observations and anecdotes from my time there.
1. WeChat is not just payments, it’s everything
WeChat’s offices in Guangzhou
Most people have heard of WeChat by now. It’s China’s version of Facebook + WhatApp + Venmo, and that’s understating its power.
Just received a business card from someone? Scan the QR code to add them on WeChat.
Most business cards now come with a QR code so that people can easily add them on WeChat.
You need a snack in a tiny village somewhere? Pay the street vendors on WeChat by scanning their QR code.
A street vendor in a tiny village with his WeChat QR code displayed prominently.
Touring the country and want to find out more about what you’re seeing? Scan the QR code, and an audio tour as well as a Chinese and English description of the place pops up on WeChat.
Scan the QR code on WeChat to find out the history of the building!
Want a drink from the vending machine? Simply scan the QR code, take your drink, and WeChat will automatically detect and deduct the price of whatever you took.
2. Bad service isn’t a thing of the past, but it’s fast becoming obsolete
3. You cannot overstate the role of government in China
4. China is open for business – and it wants you to know that
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
