IDC China director Kitty Fok on technology changing Spring Festival

Global Business

The trend in Chinese tech right now seems to tap into the convenience market. This is making tools that serve the demand to make life easier.

For more on technology and how it’s changing Chinese lifestyles and traditions, CCTV’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke to Kitty Fok live from Beijing. She’s managing director for IDC China, a technology consulting company.

IDC China director Kitty Fok on technology changing Spring Festival

The trend in Chinese tech right now seems to tap into the convenience market. This is making tools that serve the demand to make life easier.For more on technology and how it's changing Chinese lifestyles and traditions, CCTV's Rachelle Akuffo spoke to Kitty Fok live from Beijing. She's managing director for IDC China, a technology consulting company.

During Chinese New Year, Chinese families usually exchange ‘red envelopes’ that contain money meant for friends, family and co-workers to mark the beginning of a new year. But putting them together can sometimes be a hassle since it can mean prepping dozens of red pockets.
That’s why Wechat’s digital red envelop service has become a wildly popular alternative. It lets its messaging app users send money electronically.
Users are expected to send over two billion digital red envelopes.

Technology is also changing how the Chinese go home during the lunar new year holidays. During this time, the transport system deals with more than two billion trips.
Trying to get on a train or a plane can be a challenge, but this year one of China’s biggest car-pooling apps, Didi Chuxing, is trying to make it easier.
Users can post or book trips. Ride-sharing can help cut gasoline and toll costs and provide a transport alternative.