Robotic masseurs delivering therapeutic treatments, automated chefs preparing meals in dining areas, and humanoid robots gliding between exhibition booths—these are just a few of the "futuristic scenes" on display at the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services, currently underway at Shougang Park in Beijing. The everyday activities within these halls offer a snapshot of the country's broader services trade landscape.

Since the beginning of 2026, nearly every major exhibition hosted in China has been exploring the same pressing question: what does the future actually look like? At AWE, the Appliance & Electronics World Expo, smart home technology has achieved true "universal connectivity"; the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition showcased a wave of new energy and intelligent driving vehicles; the World Artificial Intelligence Conference presented a blossoming array of large language models; and the World Robot Conference revealed a veritable explosion in humanoid robotics. The answers emerging from these events are growing increasingly clear.

The phrase "pack an empty suitcase for China" has become a trending term on overseas social media platforms. A rising number of international visitors are traveling to the country to stock up on "cutting-edge tech souvenirs." In Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei district, an average of nearly 8,000 foreign merchants have been arriving daily this year to source goods, with sales of AI glasses surging 100% year-on-year from January to July. According to a global survey on China's international image, nearly 70% of foreign respondents hold a favorable view of the country, and over 80% acknowledge its robust economic and technological strength—branding "technology and the future" as the nation's new hallmark.

The hard numbers paint an even more compelling picture. In the latest Global Innovation Index report on the world's top 100 science and technology clusters released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, China secured 25 spots, ranking first globally for the fourth consecutive year. In the humanoid robotics sector, the country shipped over 40,000 units in the first half of this year, accounting for a staggering 97% of the global total. Within the low-altitude economy, eight of the world's twelve unicorn enterprises are based in China.

These figures underscore a profound transformation: the country is evolving from a global manufacturing hub into a wellspring of global innovation. While "Made in China" once signified cost-effectiveness, "Created in China" now embodies cutting-edge advancement, future potential, and boundless possibilities. The nation is no longer just producing goods; it is shaping the direction of tomorrow.

Of course, significant challenges remain. The generalization capabilities of embodied intelligence in humanoid robots require further breakthroughs, and there is still room to strengthen the supply of original, foundational innovations. Yet the path forward is unmistakable: Chinese innovation is transitioning from a fast follower to a collaborative peer, and in select frontier fields, it is emerging as a leader. The real test ahead lies in converting these localized advantages into sustained, systematic, and open global leadership.

This year's theme for the services trade fair—"Global Services, Shared Benefits"—aptly captures the current moment. As the future shifts from a distant concept into tangible products, experiential services, and portable lifestyles, the country is proffering a brand-new calling card to the world. Written upon it is one simple word: "tomorrow."