The sensor on the manhole cover in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province is able to report problems to authorities via a wireless network. [Photo by Xiang Wenjian/chinadaily.com.cn]

Even the manhole covers are intelligent. Each is fitted with a special sensor which will detect when it gets dislodged and alert the authorities via a wireless network to come out and fix the problem.

Parking problems are a thing of the past in Wuzhen. The ancient town now has more than 800 smart spaces, with their usage being displayed on signs in nearby areas. The signs display how many bays are available in certain areas.

The town's iconic scenic spot, along with everywhere in Wuzhen, accepts electronic payments such as Alipay and WeChat, and on top of that, facial recognition technology is now being used so that people need only to scan their faces to enter the national 5A scenic spot.

The Wuzhen Internet Hospital, China's first internet hospital, has impressed many people for its convenience since launched in 2015.
The hospital connects well-known doctors with patients from all over the nation through its app and website. After talking with the doctors via video chat, an electronic patient record will be saved in the system. The patient can choose a doctor at home, receive a treatment after remote consultation and pay the bills online.

All of these things and many more, have revolutionized the way people interact with the public infrastructure in Wuzhen - pushing it ahead to become the most technologically advanced ancient town in China and a trendsetter for the nation.