The first impression upon landing in Shanghai a month ago was that the buildings were taller, the lights were brighter, and everyone was in a hurry. Once on the ground, it didn’t take more than a couple of days to appreciate that more than ever, China is a country that prizes speed, efficiency and convenience.
Consider the following everyday scenario. You organise a reunion with schoolmates who are scattered in different parts of China. You take snapshots to mark the happy occasion, select a few and send them to be printed and framed in a style you choose, and then have them couriered to the home address of each of your friends — all within 24 hours, and without having to physically run around between photo shop, framing shop and post office.
When you witness first-hand the sheer scale of such activities, it’s hard not to marvel at how digital platforms, combined with an extremely vibrant courier service throughout China, have transformed the way people live.
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