Chang Zhipeng

57589527@qq.com

DO you want to experience Shenzhen’s mountains, sea, technology, and urban life like a local? If so, then check out the Shenzhen AI Travel Pass, which was launched by the city’s tourism authority, during a ceremony at the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport yesterday.

Phase I of the program will issue 20,000 free cards to international visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. The pass, which serves as both a bus and Metro card, is preloaded with 15 yuan (US$2.1) in transit credit, allowing travelers to start exploring immediately.

Crucially, the card works in more than 300 cities nationwide, enabling seamless multi-city travel for business or tourism. Visitors don’t need multiple transit cards or have to worry about payments — they can top up the card anytime via their smartphone.

The pass uses the near-field-communication (NFC) technology. When tapped to a phone, it automatically opens the Shenzhen City Travel Pass web page (no app download required). This portal offers recommendations for local food, must-see attractions, shopping districts, entertainment options, and public transportation.

It also provides arrival and departure guidance, mobile connectivity setup, payment instructions, exchange rate info, emergency contacts, and cultural etiquette tips.

The initial rollout includes a voucher package worth over 700 yuan, which can be used for sightseeing, dining, shows, and shopping at places such as the Minghua ship at Sea World, the UpperHills shopping mall, the Evergreen Resort, Shenzhen Safari Park, and OH Bay.

The pass also helps break language barriers with a built-in AI-powered translator that supports more than 145 languages, allowing visitors from around the world to communicate freely.

The card’s visual design incorporates local cultural elements — the black-faced spoonbill, bougainvillea, the fish-lantern dance, the kylin dance, and the dance drama “Wing Chun” — symbolizing the city’s fusion of technology and culture and its youthful, open, inclusive, and innovative spirit.

Visitors can pick up a free Shenzhen AI Travel Pass by presenting their passport and completing a brief registration at designated distribution points at the airport, the Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint, and Gangxia North Metro Station.