In a darkened karaoke room, strobe lights pulse to a synthetic beat. On a table, illicit drugs are scattered within reach — untouched. But this isn’t a scene from a surveillance bust, it’s a virtual reality (VR) simulation, and the “users” are not criminals, but recovering addicts. Welcome to the Tiantanghe Drug Rehabilitation Center on the outskirts of Beijing, where cutting-edge digital technology is transforming China’s anti-drug strategy. VR simulations are now a core component of relapse prevention, offering an immersive, high-stakes test of willpower against digital triggers meticulously designed to mirror real-world temptations. “Some people believe they’ve conquered their ...

China’s growing appetite for next-generation entertainment was on full display as Shanghai played host to the HADO World Cup — an international augmented reality (AR) sports tournament that brought together more than 60 teams from 18 countries and regions. The spotlight event marked a pivotal moment not just for the athletes involved, but for China’s virtual sports industry, which is fast gaining traction amid government backing and rapid technological innovation. HADO, often described as the world’s first techno sport, blends digital strategy with real-world physical movement. Unlike traditional e-sports, virtual sports like HADO require players to jump, dodge, and attack ...

In an inspiring blend of youth-driven innovation and cultural diplomacy, 13-year-old Alia Kong, a Chinese student from Hong Kong, is using cutting-edge metaverse technology to build a virtual bridge between Chinese and Saudi students. As the founder of the Superbund Alpha Project, Kong aims to create immersive digital experiences that allow students to connect across borders, learn about one another’s traditions, and celebrate cultural diversity through personalized virtual avatars and workshops. Her initiative leverages spatial computing, blockchain, and the creative power of Generation Alpha to foster cross-cultural understanding. “I want to create that connection between Riyadh and Hong Kong,” Kong ...