10 Tech Things to Do For Tourists In China - Cool Tech To Look Out For (2026)

Bucket List

16 Jan

Written By YenKid

Robot Delivery

Why I find it special: it’s amazing to get a robot to deliver the food to your door, hear it talk in a cute voice, see it move along the corridor, and wait for the elevator.

Example hotels with service robots: this one in Shenzhen, this one in Shanghai, this one in Beijing, or any hotel with service robots

👉 Check out my article How to Get a Robot or Drone to Deliver Your Food in China for more details.

Drone Delivery

Why I find it special: I’ve seen many videos about it before, but nothing is like experiencing it yourself firsthand. One of the places you can experience it is Shenzhen Talent Park.

Where to find: Go to Shenzhen Talent Park, at the south end of the square. You’ll see a kiosk and there’s usually a lot of visitors standing around. If it’s busy, drones will be in the skies above the kiosk. Couple of other places in the article below.

👉 Check out my article How to Get a Robot or Drone to Deliver Your Food in China for more details.

Robotaxi

Why I find it special: One of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. Even though I had seen videos by other people, nothing compares to going on a ride that is controlled by a self-driving computer.

Where to find: The service is mostly available in designated zones in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Guangzhou. Major providers include Pony.ai, Baidu Apollo Go, WeRide (as of December 2025)

👉 You might need to have a Chinese phone number to book it through the specific app or use the WeChat mini-program. If you’re stuck, I suggest you book a specific tour for this experience or use a third party service.

Latest Electronic Gadgets - foldables, drones, robot vacuums, cameras

Why I find it special: Many of the world’s most advanced gadgets like drones, foldable phones and laptops, and robots are designed and made by Chinese companies.

Some products never sell outside of China and most take a year or two to spread across the world. Most products are affordable too.

What products:

Foldables - Huawei Mate XT, Oppo Find, Vivo X Fold, Xiaomi MIX Fold, Huawei MateBook Fold

Drones and Cameras - DJI, Insta360

Robot vacuums - Xiaomi, Roborock, Ecovacs

Where to find: Most of the brands have their own stores in shopping malls. Just open up Amap or Baidu Maps and type in the brand for your nearest store. If you’re in Shenzhen, make sure you check out the DJI flagship store.

Huaqiangbei Electronics Market in Shenzhen

Why I find it special: Super fascinating to see all of the various components that go into our electronic devices. This is what makes Shenzhen possible.

Our gadgets are as cheap as they are, thanks to markets like these. You can buy a lot of stuff that will be hard to find anywhere else.

Helps put the complexity of technology into perspective. Don’t miss if you’re a tech builder.

👉 Check out my article Shenzhen: Ultimate Travel Guide By A Chinese

High Speed Train

Why I find it special: High speed trains are one of the best things you can experience in China, especially if you’re from a country with little to no high speed rail.

Nothing like the thrill of travelling 300-350km/h on land. I strongly recommend you choose it over flights for as many journeys as possible.

Example journeys: Beijing South to Shanghai Hongqiao, Guangzhou South to Shenzhen North, Chengdu to Chongqing

👉 Check out my article Best Cities To Experience High Speed Rail In China for more details.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Why I find it special: Electric vehicles really are the future. In China, over 50% of new cars sold in 2025 were electric! The most surprising thing is the technology available inside many of the mid-range to high-end EVs. You need to see it!

Where to find: Look for car showrooms at major malls. Major EV showrooms are BYD, Huawei, Xiaomi, Xpeng, Li Auto, Nio, Geely.

If you hire a cab using DiDi, there’s a high chance you’ll be riding an electric vehicle.

Cyberpunk Skylines

Why I find it special: there is something mesmerising about seeing cyberpunk cities actually coming true. There are many dramatic skylines across China. Make sure you see them at night.

Where to find: Shanghai and Chongqing are the cities I recommend the most. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong are also fantastic choices.

👉 Check out my article 5 Skylines You Must See in China: A Full Guide for more details.

Robot Coffee and Robot Ice Cream

Why I find it special: rather fascinating to make a robot make your coffee or ice cream. You know the quality will always stay the same.

Where to find: These aren’t really labelled on maps. You’ll most likely find them in Shanghai and Shenzhen. Watch out for them in Shenzhen Museum, major transit hubs like Gangxia North in Shenzhen, and major malls.