8 trends from China that will amaze you

Paper, gunpowder, compass, TikTok. It seems that everything (or almost everything) that was invented in China is doomed to success and worldwide recognition. The inhabitants of this country constantly come up with new, sometimes completely incredible and bizarre, ideas. Collected amazing trends that are followed in the Middle Kingdom right now.

1. Live without cash

Of course, it is still possible to rustle with paper yuan, but most of the locals have already switched to online currency. In June, the number of users of electronic payment systems is 805 million, which is almost 86% of all Internet users in the country. Chinese economists say that in 10-15 years digital money will completely replace real money and a cashless paradise will come to the Celestial Empire.

Today, using the national systems WeChat Pay and AliPay, they pay almost everywhere: from expensive designer boutiques to street shops, markets and taxis. From your smartphone, you can give alms or throw a couple of virtual coins to street musicians - there will always be a sign with a QR code next to those asking. WeChat Pay even gives "envelopes" for weddings or birthdays, and this is not considered bad form.

2. Build on a grand scale and in reserve

Despite the fact that India is about to take the lead in the number of inhabitants from China, the population of the Middle Kingdom continues to grow. The improvement in the quality of life has created a middle class of Chinese people who are steadily pulling into cities.

In 2015, the authorities officially made the capital "non-rubber" and decided to turn Beijing into a gigapolis by annexing neighboring provinces. The territories around the cities were gradually overgrown with skyscrapers and eventually merged into a single metropolis - Jing-Jin-Ji. Now 110 million people live there. This is almost 6 times more than in the whole of Kazakhstan, and almost 12 times more than in Belarus.

The initiative to build cities the size of a state took hold, and in 2019 the Chinese are about plans to develop a second gigapolis. It will gather around Shanghai at the expense of 40 neighboring settlements.

Another housing phenomenon in China is ghost towns. They have everything you need for life: high-rise quarters, huge business centers, modern cinemas and theaters, luxury shopping malls, wide avenues, quiet parks and recreation areas. Only people are missing. There are about a hundred such inflated bubbles of empty real estate in China. Officially, the Government of the People's Republic of China already has them for resettlement of people from rural areas, and ordinary Chinese are sure: "they were built for future generations."

3. Breeding urban farms

Due to total urbanization, there is very little arable land left in China. In addition, traditional agriculture is hampered by high levels of air pollution and unpredictable weather. Therefore, local scientists are actively developing a network of vertical urban farms.

For example, Beijing-based Alesca Life Technologies is converting old shipping containers into high-tech gardens. They require 20-25% less water, fertilizer and land than conventional farming, and the process of managing such farms is configured on a smartphone. The green beds are arranged vertically and fed with artificial light. A farm in a container can be placed anywhere. For example, a demonstration model was specially installed in a side street of an office block in Beijing.

4. Take out the trash using the QR code

While the whole world is sorting waste according to personal convictions and the dictates of the heart, in China you can already get a fine for throwing everything out in one bag. Shanghai became the first city where the principle of separate waste collection is a law. There, as in the capital, yard dumps are being updated with "smart" tanks with a face recognition system.

Only a resident of the quarter registered in the system can dispose of waste in a specific electronic container using a personal QR code. If the bin decides that the trash is not sorted, the offender faces a fine or a downgraded credit rating.

5. "Try on" plastic surgery

Plastic surgery is flourishing in Asia. According to the China Plastic Surgery Association, in 2017, more than 16 million Chinese people were willing to go under a scalpel for beauty. The IT industry did not stand aside and began to release to the market a lot of mobile applications in which you can learn about procedures, choose a doctor, and even try on the results of future interventions.

So-Young, one of the latest sensational apps, is the all inclusive one in the world of cosmetic surgery. It scans the face and tells you what exactly needs to be corrected: trim, tighten, pump up with fillers. If satisfied with the result, So-Young will schedule the conversion, make an appointment with the surgeon, and pay for all procedures.

By the way, in China, injections of hyaluronic acid and botox, eyelid and nose surgery, liposuction and laser hair removal. Recently, the demand for labioplasty has been growing.

6. Dictate fashion to the whole world

The hashtag #ChineseStreetFashion blew up the social network TikTok this year. Users admire stylish Chinese people on the streets of metropolitan areas. Casual passers-by are dressed in both traditional silk costumes and branded designer clothes. Chanel, Gucci, underground Marine Serre and other streetwear recognizable all over the world appear in the frame.

Gradually, it is China that is becoming the most promising market for fashion brands. According to a study by China to account for 65% of the world’s luxury market growth by 2025 McKinsey, by 2025 it will take the lead from the United States. According to preliminary estimates, the Chinese will buy up to 65% of all luxury products in the world.

7. Sleep away from home

The Chinese are very sensitive to sleep. Almost everyone sleeps during the day - children in schools, managers in offices, workers in factories, Ikea buyers on exhibition beds.

In 2018, a special place was opened in the center of Hong Kong for those who want to get a good night's sleep. The choice was not accidental. The fact is that Hong Kong is one of the most light-polluted in the world. Street lighting, spotlights, strobe lights and neon signs make the city sky a thousand times international standards. In the capsule SLEEEP, anyone who is very tired and still has not had enough sleep can take a nap at any moment in absolute silence and, most importantly, in the dark.

8. Hang out at online raves

The coronavirus in China has opened a new type of online leisure - online raves. Cloud parties usually take place on the Douyin video platform, on the Kuaishou app, and of course on TikTok. Clubs broadcast live performances of artists or show pre-recorded sets. The Chinese are actively chatting with other party participants and sharing home dance videos.

By the way, the trend for online concerts turned out to be quite enough. For example, the Beijing club OneThird received almost 20 million TikTok coins for broadcasting an online rave, which is about 143 thousand dollars. Another institution - TAXX - earned more than $ 100 thousand on the network.

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