Chinese ancient town to enter 5G era

TAIYUAN - Pingyao, an ancient town in North China's Shanxi province, will enter the 5G technology era before October, local authorities said.

The 5G technologies are scheduled to be first applied in two demonstration zones -- one in a diesel engine plant and another in the new campus of the People's Hospital of Pingyao County, according to Chen Hongjin, director of the information center with Pingyao's culture and tourism bureau.

Covering an area of around 70,000 square meters, the diesel engine plant is a venue for many key events, such as the Pingyao International Film Festival and the Pingyao International Photography Festival.

The upcoming 5G coverage can allow high-definition live streaming and VR/AR applications in the factory, and bring convenience for the hospital to transmit data and share medical resources.

Chen said Pingyao would gradually expand the coverage of 5G networks in more fields including transport, tourism and agriculture.

With a history of 2,700 years, Pingyao is famous for its well-preserved ancient architecture. It was named a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1997.