(Digital China beckons you with the omnipresent Internet Plus) With "upgraded consumption", life is becoming more colorful.
"Upgraded consumption" has become a trending word in recent years. For taxi drivers, the most intuitive feeling is that "the public is more and more willing to spend money." There are passengers who take a cab from downtown Beijing to Langfang, Hebei province or neighboring city Tianjin’s International Airport. There is a mother who takes a taxi every Sunday to send her daughter back to an international school. There are white-collar professionals who take cabs every day to work places 30-40 kilometers away.
Of course, for different people, "upgraded consumption" takes on a different meaning and is manifested differently.
Regarding healthcare, Zhao Qingwan, a taxi driver with almost 20 years of experience in the industry, has made a similar discovery: "In recent years, the number of people seeking medical attention at private hospitals has gradually increased,” says Zhao. "Passengers tell me that these hospitals are quiet and provide fast, personalized, one-on-one service."
Taxi driver Zhao Qingwan (Wang Zhongyi / Xinhuanet)
On the subject of cultural industrial parks, while taking a passenger to 798 Art Zone in Beijing, Zhao rhymed off more than a dozen new industrial parks under development. He also recalled some young passengers whom he has driven in the past few years: "They come from afar to take painting classes in Songzhuang Town on the outer fringes of Beijing." As Zhao drives through the 798 Art Zone and spots a train-themed coffee-shop popular with young people, he pulls over to take a few photos from the distance.
