Intl. vloggers road-trip with green tech

Video by Zhen Jianhong

A unique road trip kicked off in Pingshan District on the morning of July 9, aiming to showcase the future of sustainable living. Titled “Greenwise Xplore Road Trip,” the event saw eight international vloggers board six technologically advanced BYD new energy vehicles (NEVs), holding Timekettle’s simultaneous translation devices, to explore the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s green initiatives.

The fleet winds through the scenic roads of Maluan Mountain in Pingshan District on July 9. Photos by Liu Xudong, Lin Jianping, Lin Songtao

This road trip was designed as an intercity green tech showcase. The vibrant cities of Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Guangzhou served as the stops; the eight vloggers, hailing from the U.K., Brazil, India, Russia, Egypt, Montenegro, Thailand, and Italy, were invited as ambassadors and storytellers; and the BYD Denza N9 and Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8, equipped with the Lingyuan vehicle-mounted drone system, became their vehicles for discovery.

Vloggers pose for a group photo at the Lieqiao Substation in Guangzhou’s Tianhe District on July 11. 

Three cities, one green pulse

The journey began at BYD’s global headquarters in Pingshan, a hub of technological innovation. The road trip was conceived to provide firsthand experience of how BYD’s latest technological advancements function in real-world applications.

International vloggers pose for a group photo before departing from BYD’s headquarters in Pingshan District on July 9. 

Departing Pingshan, the convoy did not head directly to Zhuhai but instead took a distinctive route to the Nanshan Energy Ecological Park, in which the process of waste-to-resource conversion is highlighted. Observing the waste treatment processes through the windows, the vloggers witnessed how each step embodies the environmental ethos of “for the environment, for the future.”

Vloggers gather for group photos at Nanshan Engergy Ecological Park on July 9. 

By evening that day, the convoy reached the highly anticipated Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. This world-class, cross-sea infrastructure project not only connects Shenzhen and Zhongshan but also symbolizes the accelerating integration of transportation and green development within the Greater Bay Area. The scenic view of the azure sea waters and the imposing cross-sea bridge created a captivating moment.

The fleet crosses the Shenzhong Link at sunset July 9, showcasing the journey’s scenic route.

On July 10, the vloggers visited Guishan Island in Zhuhai, gaining close-up insight into the offshore wind power project. Amidst the howling sea breeze, the massive turbine blades slowly rotated, converting wind energy into electricity, each one seemingly telling a story of green power.

Leaving Zhuhai, the convoy continued northward, ultimately arriving in Guangzhou. This ancient commercial capital is now embracing green transformation with renewed vigor.

Participating vloggers pose for a group photo before boarding a boat to the Guishan Offshore Wind Farm in Zhuhai on July 10.  

On July 11, the vloggers visited the Lieqiao Substation in Guangzhou’s Tianhe District. The 110 kV substation, designed like a “Power Box,” functions as the city’s “green heart” — a vital power facility that also serves as a public art space.

Vloggers watch a video showcasing the advance green tech at the Lieqiao Substation in Guangzhou’s Tianhe District on July 11.

Eight vloggers: Eyes on GBA

Lee Barrett (U.K. )

Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassador

“I was really impressed with BYD’s Lingyuan system, because I am a fan of DJI. They use DJI technology with BYD. They have this system where you can launch the drone without leaving the car and it will follow your route. That’s so cool.”

Mahmoud Hamdy 

Mahmoud Ahmed

(Egypt)

Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador

“The cars are so quiet, so smooth. And honestly, I was worried about charging and auto driving but it was actually very easy — the stations were everywhere. I felt like I was driving the future. It made me realize that clean energy isn’t just an idea anymore — it’s here, it works, and it feels good. The wind farm in Zhuhai was unforgettable. Huge turbines spinning slowly in the wind, with the ocean in the background — it felt like nature and technology were dancing together.”

Cyntia Midori Yamauchi

(Brazil)

Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador

“Usually, we think of recycling things like plastics and paper — materials we can reuse. But they also burn materials that can't be recycled. The steam then generates energy. They've also incorporated green spaces. I was very impressed because China is focusing heavily on maintaining technology while also protecting the environment.”

Shashidhar Shiraguppi

(India)

Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador

“With its intuitive screen interface, the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 enhances information visibility and simplifies operation. It’s very convenient to get a clear picture of the road conditions just by checking the small screen within the cabin.”

Marina Vilchinskaia

(Russia)

Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador

“This trip showed me how high the standard of living can be: riding in a super comfortable AI-powered BYD car, visiting companies that are hard to access (like BYD) or that I had never even heard of before (like the Nanshan Energy Ecological Park and the Guishan Offshore Wind Farm).”

Haris Memic

(Montenegro)

Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador

“I was very much impressed by BYD’s SkyShuttle and cars. And at the Nanshan energy ecological park, I was really excited to see what’s inside, where you can see all the technology and equipment. We also saw those wind turbines in Zhuhai. It’s quite interesting.”

Jeeranun Soontornpornjaroen

(Thailand)

Student at Shenzhen University

“The technology is fantastic, especially the car with the drone on top, which is truly unique and represents the latest technology.”

Gloria D’Andrea

(Italy)

Student at Shenzhen 

Polytechnic University

“This road trip was the perfect chance for me to experience firsthand China’s development and ongoing transformation through the lens of green technology and innovation. I’m eager to see how new energy is reshaping everyday life — from smart cars and hydrogen power to eco-communities. This journey offered a glimpse into a future already unfolding.”

Six NEVs and tech empowerment

Video by Liu Xudong

Throughout the drive, the vloggers expressed amazement from now and then. The intelligent driving assistance system in the Denza N9 offered a sense of the convenience and safety brought by technology. Meanwhile, the advanced Lingyuan system integrated into the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 showcased the powerful capabilities of NEVs in intelligent off-road functions, dynamic drone deployment, and numerous other smart features.

The allure of Shenzhen’s “Intelligent Manufacturing” was evident throughout the journey. The vloggers used the Honor Magic V5 smartphones to capture highlights, effortlessly documenting moments like the Bao 8’s dynamic maneuvers and the stunning views along the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. Additionally, the Timekettle translation devices helped bridge language gaps, facilitating smoother interactions with local staff.

International vloggers film a drone taking off from a BYD Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 vehicle in Pingshan District on July 9.

From the innovation hub in Pingshan, to the resource recycling at Nanshan, the breathtaking Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the offshore wind power in Zhuhai, and the pulsing energy grid in Guangzhou – these three cities, each with its distinct character, collectively painted a vivid picture of the Greater Bay Area’s robust green development trajectory. 

British vlogger Lee Barrett checks the real-time translation on his phone via the Timekettle X1 AI Interpreter Hub during the road trip. The device allows all participants to view translations simultaneously by scanning a QR code.

The road trip has received support from Shenzhen Energy Corporation, the China Southern Power Grid News Center, the Guangzhou Power Supply Bureau, the Zhuhai Wanshan Marine Development Experimental Zone Science and Technology Innovation and Commerce Bureau, Southern Offshore Wind Power Development Co. Ltd., Honor Device Co. Ltd., and Shenzhen Timekettle Technology Co. Ltd.

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