Pingyao will complete its five-year "smart city" project by the end of 2017, improving the lives of local residents.

Initiated in 2013, the project costing 140 million yuan ($20.18 million) consists of one public comprehensive platform and 24 software applications associated with government management, business information and people's daily life.

The comprehensive platform now has almost been finished with a database and a cloud computing platform having been put into use. The number of channels for live television broadcasts has now increased from 120 to 170. There have also been more than 30,000 films, TV dramas and variety shows.

The 24 applications are still in the testing phase and remain under-development. For example, staff members are debugging a multi-functional app named "intelligent travel" which can complete online bookings, provide electronic guides and help manage tourist attractions. Another app which integrates information about local hospitals, medical education and pre-registration functions has also been field tested.

Pingyao will now speed up the construction of the "smart city" project in rural areas. Currently, the transformation of networks across villages is almost complete. Fiber optic internet services have been expanded to 208 local villages, allowing villagers to enjoy faster internet.

Staff members debug software and apps for the "smart city" project at the control center in Pingyao county, Shanxi province. [Photo/Jinzhong Daily]