Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Explore the more rural areas of the island to see the contrast between the old and the new infrastructure and buildings. It shows a unique blend of old and new. (2:58)
- Tip 2Try the little makeshift outdoor gym by the river. It shows a unique blend of old and new. (4:12)
- Tip 3Observe the ongoing work on the metro infrastructure. This will soon transform the island from rural farming communities into a high-tech island. (5:47)
- Tip 4The island is well connected with the mainland, making it easy to move here and enjoy the beautiful natural lifestyle. (7:01)
- Tip 5Visit the island's new middle school, an incredible design with solar power and rooftop allotments. (8:01)
- Tip 6Cycle or run on the high-tech 22 km smart racetrack that loops around the whole island. Track your pace on screens around the island. (12:50)
- Tip 7Visit the vineyard on the island, especially during the summer grape festival, or strawberry picking season. (15:44)
- Tip 8See the small docks on the island, which are used less often now due to the many bridges and tunnels connecting it to the mainland. (17:33)
Middle Kingdom Productions takes us on an extraordinary journey to Jiangxinzhou Island, Nanjing, where rural life meets futuristic technology. This once-isolated island has been transformed into a high-tech community, complete with driverless vehicles and a smart racetrack. Explore the blend of old and new, from traditional farmhouses to modern schools powered by solar energy. Discover the island's eco-friendly goals and vibrant sporting culture, all while enjoying the beauty of the Yangtze River.
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This video by Middle Kingdom Productions showcases Jiangxinzhou Island, located on the Yangtze River near Nanjing. The documentary contrasts the island's past as a rural community with its present as a high-tech, futuristic hub.
The transformation is remarkable. Once home to what may have been monks (though the narrator admits to some uncertainty), the island now boasts driverless buses, taxis, and even vending machines. Its infrastructure is state-of-the-art, with modern houses, schools, and offices springing up across the landscape. The narrator points out ongoing metro construction, highlighting the island's rapid development into a carbon-neutral community.
Beyond the technology, the video reveals a strong emphasis on sustainability. The new middle school, for example, is designed with solar power and rooftop allotments, reflecting the island's commitment to an eco-friendly future. Middle Kingdom Productions details the island's plan to become completely carbon neutral, referencing a linked article for further information.
Jiangxinzhou Island's embrace of technology extends to innovative projects involving artificial intelligence, drone technology, and driverless vehicle testing. Robotic security and parcel delivery systems are also highlighted, showcasing the island's forward-thinking approach.
However, the island hasn't entirely abandoned its past. The video shows remnants of older farmhouses and mansions, offering a glimpse into its history. There's even a makeshift outdoor gym and allotments, demonstrating a continued connection to the land. The presence of a vineyard, discovered surprisingly by Middle Kingdom Productions, further illustrates this blend of old and new. This vineyard, over 40 years old, hosts a popular grape festival in the summer, adding another layer to the island's unique character.
The island's sporting aspect is another key feature. An Olympic ring-shaped bridge connects it to the 2014 Youth Olympic Village, and the 22km smart racetrack attracts cyclists and runners. This cycling boom has fostered a thriving culture of cycle shops and coffee shops. The narrator also notes the significant river traffic and the impact of Chinese New Year celebrations on the island's activities. In essence, Middle Kingdom Productions' video offers a fascinating look at Jiangxinzhou Island, a place where tradition and technology coexist in a surprisingly harmonious blend.