On June 27, the international youth delegation of the 2025 "Future Close-Up" program visited Guangzhou, exploring WeChat Headquarters, China Southern Airlines' Industry-Education Training Base, and the autonomous driving firm WeRide—gaining firsthand insight into advancements in China's digital economy.
At WeChat Headquarters, international delegates sampled Zengcheng's famed Xianjinfeng lychees and explored WeChat's "Blue Packets" feature, which allows users to send gifts directly through the app using options like "One-Click Send" or "Group Lottery."
Participants were impressed by the innovative social gifting tool, with comments such as "Very interesting!" and "Our country's social media doesn't have this yet."
Tanvir Parvez Matobbar from Bangladesh, President of Tsinghua University's Belt and Road Research Association, praised WeChat as an all-in-one platform: "We can communicate, interact, shop—even make payments—without switching apps. It's highly versatile and user-friendly."
At China Southern Airlines' training base, delegates donned blue training suits to simulate in-flight emergencies—ranging from severe turbulence to oxygen mask deployment and emergency evacuations. For many, it was a first-time experience, widely described as "unexpected" and "absolutely cool."
Delegates also experienced a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Eager to engage, they brewed, served, and tasted tea, even trying their hand at making tea pastries. "I've always been fascinated by Chinese tea culture," said Marcelina Liszewska, an Asian Studies student from SWPS University, Poland. "This professional-level ceremony was truly a visual feast."
At the autonomous driving company WeRide, delegates rode in the driverless MiniRobobus, experiencing the cutting-edge technology behind self-driving innovation.
"I felt completely safe—the ride was smooth and responsive," said Torry Ko, Senior Strategy Manager (APAC) at tech firm MOLOCO from Australia. "I could relax and chat freely." Pedro Henrique de Steenhagen, a PhD student from Brazil at Fudan University, added: "At first, I was uneasy, but I quickly forgot there was no driver. It felt like the future."
Reporter | Huang Chuxuan
Photo | Tencent
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
