At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, CGTN reporter He Jingyi set up a vibrant mini-studio inviting a global mix of attendees to doodle their visions of the Chinese mainland in 2031.
From lush vertical forests wrapping around skyline silhouettes, to sleek AI-driven transit pods whizzing through smart districts, the sketches distilled four emerging themes: green transformation, smart technology, global cooperation and cultural vitality. Each playful glyph shows a collective optimism for the next five years.
Green transformation was one of the most popular motifs. Visitors imagined carbon-neutral cities powered by solar canopies, wind farms integrated into public parks, and rooftop gardens cascading down residential towers. One doodle depicted a tree-lined boulevard with electric trams, illustrating the dream of harmonious city-nature integration.
Smart technology also featured prominently. Doodles included autonomous delivery drones, AI health kiosks offering remote diagnostics, and blockchain-powered trade hubs connecting small businesses across continents. These symbols point to a future where innovation makes daily life more seamless and inclusive.
Global cooperation emerged as another key theme. Several sketches showed interlocking hands encircling the globe or transparent trade routes linking the Chinese mainland with Africa, Latin America and Europe. Participants underscored the value of cross-border partnerships in tackling climate change, public health crises and sustainable development.
Finally, many attendees added cultural and creative flourishes: floating theaters with holographic performances, digital marketplaces showcasing regional crafts, and exchange programs uniting students and artists. Such images highlight a vision of the Chinese mainland as both a tech powerhouse and a hub for diverse cultural exchange.
Will the Chinese mainland of 2031 match these colorful predictions? As policy makers, entrepreneurs and creatives reconvene in Davos, these doodles offer a playful yet powerful snapshot of global hopes for the next chapter of growth, innovation and cooperation.
Reference(s):
What'll China look like in 5 years? Davos attendees 'draw' conclusions
cgtn.com
