Transport

With Didi Chuxing, it seems nobody wants to brave the sweltering summer heat or heavy downpour to flag a taxi. All it now takes to book a taxi is the smartphone app Didi Chuxing smartphone, which now owns the taxi-hailing market after acquiring Uber China’s operations.

With Didi, the driver will come right to your doorstep. And when it’s time to disembark, there are several payment systems one can use to clear the bill.

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E-government

Most government departments now maintain an active online presence and have social media accounts that they use to disseminate information about policy to the citizenry.

Yanli Wang, a government officer in Dangjiangdong Industry Cluster Zone of Hangzhou City says the internet has enhanced government service delivery and citizen participation.

“Government may release updates about affordable apartments for low-income earners through social media, and families who need to rent the houses can apply online,” Wang says.

Citizens can post comments on service delivery or report incidents to authorities, making both the public and their leaders responsive and responsible.

Media

Like in any other part of the world, social media is altering the way traditional media operate in China, with a tilt towards online publishing and convergence.

The sheer number of netizens has driven established media houses into keeping an active online presence through mobile based applications, meaning the news has to be curt and precise.

Breaking news is no longer a preserve of print or even electronic media, given the rise of social media sites like Weibo. Most media consumers access their news through their smartphones.

Li Zengkui, a journalist at Guangming Daily sees not only challenges (including declining sales and competition from new media), but also opportunities in the rise of the internet.

“You can work anytime, anywhere. News can find you anywhere. You do not necessarily have to go abroad to know what is happening there,” Li says.