Wuxi issues cards to encourage cultural consumption

The "Xibao-Cultural People-benefit Card", a store-value contactless smart card used in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, for culture-related consumption, was released on May 19.

The launch ceremony for the first 70,000 cards was held in Yuantouzhu scenic area during the Second All-for-one Tourism Carnival in Yangtze River Delta. An array of cultural and tourism projects were rolled out during the event.

The card, real name verified, supports online payment but mainly relies on the Wuxi Watch App, an online information and service platform, where the card can be used to log in, search products, make reservations for activities, place orders, and redeem points. The card was developed with a license for online payment companies obtained for Xibao Card.

Payments in libraries and museums, as well as public shows, exhibitions, and fitness and leisure centers, can also be made using the card. The card allows people to access discounts offered by the government and some cultural companies have volunteered to offer various products with favorable prices.

Wuxi Watch, as a prime mobile information service platform in Wuxi, enjoys more than 1 million users. Its development has been granted strong support from the municipal Party committee and the municipal government.