标签： Asia

In a groundbreaking development for sustainable architecture, China’s Xiong’an New Area has unveiled what experts are calling a paradigm-shifting model for future urban construction. The Xiong’an Wings cultural center, now standing as one of the world’s largest 3D-printed structures, represents a fusion of advanced manufacturing, ecological design, and digital innovation.

Soaring five stories high with dramatic 20-meter cantilevered roofs that emulate a swan in flight, the building’s design draws inspiration from classical Chinese poetry depicting waterfowl gliding over misty landscapes. This artistic vision presented significant engineering challenges that conventional construction methods couldn’t economically solve, particularly for the complex double-curved facade.

Project Technical Director Zhang Xihuang explained how 3D printing technology enabled the realization of this ambitious design: ‘We utilized modified plastic panels manufactured with precision layering to create the flowing red wings that define the structure. This approach not only achieved our aesthetic objectives but also demonstrated substantial environmental advantages.’

The construction methodology reduced material consumption by 20-30% and completely eliminated the need for polluting molds, addressing waste reduction at its source. Durability testing indicates the printed panels will maintain over 80% of their performance characteristics after two decades of outdoor exposure.

The project implemented a fully digital workflow utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout its entire lifecycle, from initial design to future operational management. On-site construction was monitored by drone-mounted laser scanners that detected deviations as slight as five centimeters, enabling real-time adjustments.

Structural efficiency was further enhanced through topology optimization software that minimized unnecessary steel in the building’s frame without compromising strength. Once operational, the center’s advanced insulation and intelligent management systems are projected to reduce annual energy consumption by more than 30%.

The cultural center, developed through collaboration between Power Construction Corporation of China and Tongji University researchers led by Professor Yuan Feng, will serve as a community hub featuring performance spaces for opera, music, and conferences. Its extensive glass walls offer panoramic views of Jinhu Lake, integrating the natural surroundings with indoor activities.

Perhaps most significantly, the project’s innovations are being formalized into Xiong’an’s first local technical standards for 3D-printing construction technology, creating a replicable template for future sustainable development. Zhang characterized Xiong’an Wings as ‘a convincing example of how cities can be built smarter, greener and more beautifully for the future.’

China is accelerating its agricultural transformation through advanced technologies as part of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), positioning smart farming as the cornerstone of rural modernization and national food security. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun emphasized that modernizing agriculture remains a strategic priority for bolstering domestic development and mitigating external risks amid global uncertainties.

Han characterized rural modernization as a ‘ballast stone’ for economic and social stability, noting that bridging the urban-rural divide and ensuring farmers benefit from modernization are crucial for establishing a new development paradigm. By 2035, hundreds of millions of farmers are projected to transition into modern lifestyles, unleashing significant development momentum and consumption potential.

The initiative builds upon substantial foundations: China achieved record grain production of 715 million metric tons this year, with technological advancements contributing over 64% to agricultural growth. Despite this progress, challenges persist in addressing rural development gaps and sustaining farmer income growth.

A comprehensive technological overhaul is underway, including:
– Launching measures to increase grain production capacity by 50 million tons
– Accelerating high-standard farmland construction
– Advancing seed industry innovation through biotechnology breakthroughs
– Deploying smart agricultural machinery and AI-driven farming solutions
– Developing diversified food supply systems
– Expanding agricultural processing to enhance farmer incomes

China Agricultural University President Sun Qixin highlighted that developing ‘new quality productive forces’ tailored to local conditions is essential for overcoming development bottlenecks. Biotechnology serves as a core engine, with gene editing and synthetic biology breakthroughs poised to reshape agricultural production models.

The integration of big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence is transforming traditional farming practices. Next-generation agricultural technologies—from drones to intelligent farming robots—are accelerating the shift toward automated, data-driven production systems. China recently established its first quality inspection and testing center for smart agriculture technologies, filling a critical gap in the national testing system.

Concurrent with technological advancement, China is expanding its digital agriculture talent pool. Training programs focused on improving farmers’ mobile usage and e-commerce skills attracted nearly 40 million participants this year. The government also maintains its commitment to poverty prevention through dynamic monitoring systems and continued support policies, with all 832 previously impoverished counties having developed two to three competitive leading industries.

Employment among formerly impoverished populations has stabilized above 30 million, accounting for over two-thirds of household income. In the first three quarters of 2025, rural residents in these counties recorded per capita disposable income of 13,158 yuan ($1,872), representing 6.5% year-on-year growth that exceeded the national rural average.

China’s rapidly aging population is witnessing a technological transformation in elderly care, with artificial intelligence and robotics emerging as critical solutions to address growing demographic challenges. Across the nation, from Beijing nursing homes to Shenzhen care facilities, AI-powered devices are providing companionship, mobility assistance, and specialized therapies for senior citizens.

In a Beijing residence, a nonagenarian engages in daily chess matches with his robotic companion named Sense—a 2,000 yuan ($285) AI system that offers both intellectual stimulation and social interaction. Financial professional Shen Tu, who gifted the device to his grandfather, reports the technology has not only brought joy to his elderly relative but has become a focal point for family bonding during weekend gatherings.

The applications extend far beyond companionship. In Guangdong province, advanced robotics systems now perform room patrols in care institutions, provide mobility support through exoskeleton technology, and even administer traditional moxibustion therapy. These innovations represent a fundamental shift in how China approaches elderly care amidst staggering demographic changes.

Official statistics from the Ministry of Civil Affairs reveal that by the end of 2024, China’s population aged 60 and above reached 310 million, representing 22% of the total population. Among these seniors, approximately 35 million have lost self-care capability—a figure projected to surge to 46 million by 2035.

Conventional care models struggle with multiple challenges including severe shortages of professional caregivers, inefficient service delivery, and difficulties meeting personalized needs. Smart elderly care solutions integrating AI, Internet of Things, and robotics technologies are increasingly filling these gaps, becoming essential infrastructure in China’s response to its aging society.

The development receives substantial policy support alongside technological innovation, positioning China at the forefront of redefining elder care through automation and intelligent systems.