Unit 4: Science and Technology in Contemporary China

High-Speed Rail

China's extensive rail network considered one of its New Four Great Inventions, over 40,000 km of track.

Chunyun

The Spring Festival Migration, heavily reliant on high-speed train travel in China.

Didi Chuxing

The leading ride-sharing service in China, dominating the market after acquiring Uber China.

Digital Life

The daily lifestyle in China characterized by mobile technology and online transactions.

Mobile Payments

The use of smartphones for transactions, primarily through platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay.

Super-apps

Applications that combine multiple services into one platform, unlike Western applications.

WeChat Pay

Mobile payment feature embedded in the WeChat app, widely used in China.

Alipay

A mobile payment platform linked to Alibaba's e-commerce ecosystem.

QR Codes

A barcode used in China for mobile payments, unlike NFC payments in the West.

Hongbao

Digital red envelopes traditionally used to give cash during Lunar New Year, now gamified.

Douyin

The Chinese version of TikTok, known for short video content.

Taobao

China's leading online shopping platform for general retail.

Singles' Day

November 11th, known as the world's largest shopping event surpassing Black Friday.

Livestream Commerce

Buying products showcased by influencers in real-time on streaming platforms.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

A holistic approach to health focusing on Qi and preventative care.

Western Medicine

A medical system emphasizing symptoms and quick interventions.

Telemedicine

Use of digital communications to provide healthcare remotely, particularly in rural areas.

AI in Medicine

Application of artificial intelligence to assist in diagnostics and medical data analysis.

Tiangong Space Station

China's operational space station, distinct from the International Space Station.

Chang'e Missions

Chinese lunar missions that successfully returned soil samples from the Moon.

Tianwen-1 Mission

China's first Mars mission that successfully landed a rover on the planet.

Smart Cities

Urban areas that utilize technology for managing and improving city services.

Green Technology

Natural energy innovations, such as solar panels and electric vehicles.

Collective Safety Priority

The societal inclination in China to accept surveillance for enhanced safety.

Mobile First

China's predominant use of mobile technology for transactions and communication.

Last Mile Problem

The challenge of connecting users from transit stations to their final destinations.

Digital Divide

The gap between those who have easy access to digital technology and those who do not.

Facial Recognition

A technology used in China for security and safety, widely integrated into society.

Rénliǎn Shíbié (人脸识别)

The Chinese term for facial recognition technology.

Zhíbō (直播)

The Chinese term for livestreaming, often used in commerce.

Xīn Sì Dà Fāmíng

The Four New Inventions of China, including high-speed rail and mobile payments.

Healthcare Integration

The combination of TCM and Western medicine in Chinese healthcare systems.

Economic Integration

The ability for people to live in affordable areas while commuting to economic hubs.

Mobile Life

Daily life in China that heavily relies on smartphones for various activities.

Gig Economy

A labor market characterized by short-term freelance or contract work.

E-commerce

Buying and selling goods through electronic networks, significant in China.

Environmental Impact

Consequences of technological growth on the natural environment.

Ethical Impact

Moral implications arising from rapid advancements in technology.

Urban Mobility

Efficient transportation methods used within cities, often emphasizing shared options.

Public Health

Health concerns that affect populations, especially after events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Smartphone Dominance

The central role smartphones play in the lives of urban Chinese citizens.

Health Codes

Digital health tracking systems introduced post-pandemic for public safety.

Fuxing class trains

Chinese high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of 350 km/h.

Shared Bicycles

Bicycles available for public use to address short-distance travel needs.