Innovation found everywhere

As a Shanghai-based business reporter, I was thrilled to be asked to cover the 19th CPC National Congress in Beijing. Given the paramount importance of economic affairs these days, nothing could be a no-no for a business journalist. And so, to get going, I aimed to be the early bird. I need not have felt stressed because life in digital-savvy China tends to be a breeze. Let me share my story - you'll likely agree with me.

It took me just two minutes - yes! - to book a train ticket from Shanghai to Beijing using an app and paying with Alipay, the popular mobile wallet. The bullet train transported me to the national capital 1,318 kilometers away in just four and a half hours.

On arrival, my Chanel still smelled fresh - maybe because my outfit wasn't thick. (I forgot to stuff winter wear into my baggage in my initial rush.)