The city of Liuzhou, in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, has launched a “one-card” project, as one of its “smart city” construction efforts.

With one card, locals can easily enjoy the city’s various services, including public transportation, taxis, and shopping, as well as medical and pension services.

The first phase of the project - issuing cards to citizens - will be carried out this year, according to the city’s industry and information technology office.

In addition to the "one-card" project, Liuzhou has plans to build two platforms – that is, an urban public transportation information platform and a data base of public transportation information, along with other key projects, such as work on the network infrastructure with continuous improvements to 3G, 4G and WLAN facilities, as well as intelligent applications. So far, the first phase of a public bicycle rental project has started operations.

Last August, Liuzhou was selected as a pilot city for national “smart cities”. In the future, the city will implement all its 16 key projects in five categories - infrastructure construction, living environment, management and services, industries and economy, and innovation projects.

With a total investment of 7 billion yuan, the projects are expected to make full use of the city’s industrial advantages and resources and realize the development goals of energy saving, intelligence, green, and low carbon, which will truly benefit the people of the “dragon city”.

Edited by Lin Hong and Brian Salter