November 18, 2025

How to Navigate the Tech-Driven Hotel Experience, Beijing

If you’re visiting Beijing—especially for the first time—you’ll quickly notice something exciting: technology is everywhere, and your hotel might feel like a scene from the future. Robots deliver towels, tablets control your room, and digital systems help make travel easier. So this guide will help you understand how to collaborate with these helpful tools during your stay.


Meet Your New Colleagues: The Service Robots

When you check into your hotel, don’t be surprised if a small robot silently glides past you. These service robots are becoming common in hotels across China—and they’re incredibly useful.

What the robots do

Service robots handle simple deliveries, so if you request towels, toiletries, or even outside food delivery, the hotel may send a robot instead of staff. They work 24/7, and they’re surprisingly fast.

How to use them

  • When the robot arrives, it usually calls your room phone first.
  • Open your door and follow the instructions on the screen.
  • Tap “Open” or enter a room code, take your items, and close the lid.
  • Then the robot will head off to its next delivery.

It’s easy, contact-free, and fun—especially if it’s your first time.


The Brain of Your Room: Smart Control Systems

Many hotel rooms in China no longer rely on simple light switches. Instead, they use a central digital control system.

You may find:

  • A tablet (wall-mounted or next to the bed)
  • A smart speaker for voice commands
  • A touch panel controlling lights, curtains, temperature, and more

How to use them

  1. Tablet or Panel: Look for an English button or flag icon. Then you can adjust everything—lights, AC, curtains—with simple taps.
  2. Voice Control: Some hotels have smart speakers. You can try English commands, but they often understand Chinese better. If it doesn’t respond, use the tablet instead.

You won’t break anything by tapping around, so feel free to explore.


Your Essential Travel Tool: WeChat

WeChat is China’s all-in-one travel app, and your hotel will most likely rely on it too.

What you can do with WeChat

  • Get hotel information
  • Chat with staff
  • Request cleaning or amenities
  • Receive delivery notifications
  • Sometimes even unlock your room with your phone

Just scan the hotel’s QR code when you arrive and follow their official account.


BONUS: High-Tech Tools Beyond the Hotel in Beijing

China’s travel technology extends far beyond accommodation.

💡Exoskeleton Support at the Mutianyu Great Wall

If you’re planning to hike the Great Wall, here’s a cool surprise:

➡️ Exoskeleton robots can be rented at the Mutianyu Great Wall. These wearable devices help reduce pressure on your knees and make climbing easier—especially on steep sections.

More information can be found at Official Mutianyu Great Wall website:
👉 https://en.mutianyugreatwall.com/ and https://r.visitbeijing.com.cn/attraction/7


Tips for a Smooth High-Tech Stay

  • Ask for help whenever needed—hotel staff are used to teaching guests how to use these systems.
  • Bring a universal adapter, because Chinese outlets differ from those in many countries.
  • Keep an open mind, because the technology may feel different at first, but it usually makes your stay easier and more comfortable.

Welcome to the Future of Travel in China

Robots, tablets, and smart systems aren’t replacing human warmth—they’re simply giving you more convenience and flexibility. So embrace the experience, try the tools, and enjoy your time in one of the world’s most technologically advanced travel destinations.

💡If you’re excited about exploring China’s mix of ancient history and futuristic technology, we’d love to guide you through it.

👉 Join Our Beijing Wild Wall & Mountain hikes and discover more local guides, routes, travel tips, and hidden gems.

Let’s explore Beijing together—with culture, comfort, and a little bit of high-tech magic.


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