In Beijing's bustling Sanlitun district, 28-year-old delivery rider Zhang Wei pauses between orders. "I work 14 hours daily, but my app shows 37 restaurants still open at 3 a.m.," he says, illustrating China's 24/7 service culture. This scene comes from a recent episode of CGTN's "Ask China," where journalist Wang Tao explores how technological advancement and social shifts reshape lived experiences in 2026.
The Convenience Paradox
At a community health center, retiree Li Hongxia demonstrates her smartphone's integrated medical app. "I video-consult specialists, order prescriptions, and track chronic conditions – all without leaving home," she explains. Yet this digital utopia carries new pressures: "My daughter worries I'll be replaced by robots at her factory job," Li adds.
Balancing Costs and Expectations
Public school teacher Chen Yu breaks down education expenses: "Our district waived textbook fees this year, but parents still spend 1,500 yuan monthly on robotics clubs and AI tutors." Healthcare costs show similar complexity, with basic care widely accessible but advanced treatments requiring savings.
Redefining Success
At a shared workspace, entrepreneur Zhao Ming describes youth trends: "Many friends left Beijing after the 2025 remote work reforms. Now they code from Yunnan tea plantations." This "serenity migration" reflects changing priorities, though Zhao notes: "We still compete fiercely – just for different goals."
Through these personal accounts, Wang Tao's documentary reveals a society navigating unprecedented convenience alongside evolving challenges, painting a nuanced portrait of China's current social transformation.
