Electronic ID card application page on Alipay app. (Photo/hbtv.com.cn)

Co-developed by the Public Security Bureau of Wuhan and Alipay, an "electronic ID card" was launched in Wuhan this June. After nearly a week of operation, over 30,000 citizens have applied for this kind of ID.

Currently, with this virtual card, citizens can handle 148 items related to public affairs through the online police station, including things such as online application for identity documents and travel documents such as passports. Meanwhile, after the completion of the scan code system, the card can be used for checking in hotels, entering stadiums, museums and theaters, and passing security checks in train stations and airports.

Applying for the card is also simple. Wuhan citizens just need to open the Alipay app on their smart phones and click the "apply for an electronic ID card".

The electronic ID card is a creative way to improve the working efficiency of the Public Security Bureau and provide convenient service to citizens. With the card, Wuhan citizens can save much time and transport cost.

Regarding information security which many citizens are concerned about since Alipay will have the personal information of many people, the Public Security Bureau of Wuhan said that they have done special treatments to the data so the security can be guaranteed.