Jigao Mall turns highway travel into smart shopping experience

The Jigao Mall platform, launched by Jilin Provincial Expressway Group, is redefining how transportation and tourism connect in Northeast China. By integrating highway resources with travel services, the platform creates a smart ecosystem that blends transportation, culture, commerce, agriculture, and tourism.

Through the WeChat applet "Jigao Mall", users can earn points by shopping or renting vehicles. Each point is equivalent to 1 yuan ($0.14) in toll credit, which can be used to offset highway fees across Jilin province. Some self-driving travel packages also include toll subsidies, turning every purchase into a travel reward.

According to Wang Haifeng, executive director of Jilin Jigao Road Industry Development Co, the platform provides a sales channel for Jilin's signature products, like Jilin rice and Changbai Mountain ginseng. It also transforms expressways from simple transit hubs into integrated cultural and tourism service centers that cater to travelers' diverse needs.

The platform is also exploring low-altitude logistics to improve travel convenience and enhance the overall journey experience.