Participants of the Second Seminar for Media Officials and Journalists from Mekong Countries experienced Yunnan’s smart tourism at the Stone Forest scenic area on November 1, together with 14 international teachers and students from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines and Bangladesh.

They first tried the facial recognition device at the entrance. “So easy! It saves time, and no waiting in line for tickets,” said Kin Vibol, deputy director-general of the Department of Information and Broadcasting, Cambodian Ministry of Information. Kin added the facial recognition device impressed him with its high sensitivity.

Entering the scenic spot, the tour participants opened the “Travel in Yunnan” app on their mobile phones. While walking around, they listened to the audio guide, looked through the routes and find their own locations. Pan Suqin, a teaching staff at the College of Arts and Sciences of Yunnan Normal University, felt the travel app renewed her understanding to Yunnan tourism.

"A click on the 'guide' button allows me to see where I am, and no need to use a paper map,” said Pan. “The audio guide is always available and you don’t have to pay for a guide." It is sort of a self-service tour.

"It’s my first time to visit the Stone Forest in Yunnan. Scanning the QR codes allows me to hear the audio guide which can be switched in varied voices.” At the "Jianfengchi/sword-peak pool", Vannasin Simmavong, head of the Information and Internet Division, Department of Mass Media of the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism tried the audio guide and showed his appreciation.

"I had a brand-new smart tour this morning, which is still nonexistent in Laos,” said Vannasin. “And I’ll share the smart things in Yunnan with my family and friends when I return home." He will also recommend them to visit Yunnan for a personal experience.

U Aung Win, assistant director of Myanmar Radio and Television, tried the plant-recognition function in the "Travel in Yunnan" app, getting to know some road-side plants and flowers. “As a World Natural Heritage, the Stone Forest amazed me a lot,” said U Aung Win. “The smart tour here is an eye opener, and the Yunnan travel app is easy.”

By Gateway staff reporters