Tech touch

But technologies like AI are fulfilling many functions, such as translation and travel planning.

"If I need a simultaneous translation, I go to my (AI) app," Rodriguez says.

"If I'm visiting a cultural historical spot and I want to have insights about this site — let's say, I'm visiting the Forbidden City — if I want to have some historical background on it, I can go to DeepSeek to search about it."

Some trip-planning AI platforms offer real-time info on flights, transportation, attractions and the like, he explains.

Su Nuoyi says: "My mom and my brother came here, and they were shocked by how technology is part of daily life in China. I think that's also part of the culture."

Zhou believes technology can only enrich what ultimately remain human experiences.

"You can use an app to make an easy translation. You can get an itinerary from the app very easily. But still, you need to talk with the people and know what they're really thinking," he says.

"This exchange is more important. This is something that'll never be replaced by any technology."