Foreign visitors pack 'the future' into their suitcases in Hangzhou

Ahead of Chinese New Year, crowds are flocking to the Wensan Future Science Technology Experience Center in Hangzhou's Xihu district, where "tech specialties" have become the trendiest of holiday gifts.

Once a traditional electronics street, the area has transformed into China's first digital lifestyle experience hub, drawing global tourists eager to explore Hangzhou-made innovations — from AI glasses and flying cameras to companion robots and wearable exoskeletons.

Store operators say overseas tour groups now visit weekly, with many travelers coming specifically for the hands-on tech experiences. The district's display-experience-purchase model lets visitors interact with cutting-edge products in real-life scenarios, turning technology into something tangible and accessible while showcasing Hangzhou's ambition to become a leading AI innovation city.

The rise of tech tourism reflects the city's broader push toward intelligent industries and smart living. As visitors return home with AI gadgets and robotic devices in their luggage, they carry with them a tangible sense of Hangzhou's innovation-led development.

A recent delegation from Kenya echoed this sentiment after visiting the district, praising Hangzhou's technological strength and remarking, "Seeing is believing."