As part of an academic trip to China, a group of scholars from countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative visited Cloud Town in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on Nov 16.

The town, founded by Chinese tech giant Alibaba Group, is home to a number of tech companies which mainly focus on big data and cloud computing technologies. The Cloud Town not only promotes technological research and development, but also explores ways to apply advanced technologies in everyday life.

Scholars mainly specializing in social governance and economics were briefed on the technological applications being developed in the town as well as the local culture. They visited the town's exhibition hall, Museum of Inspiration, and Herb Garden, which taught them about sci-tech development in China. 

Isti Budhi Setiawati, a lecturer from the business school of Prasetiya Mulya University, Indonesia whose research concentrates on the application of economic theories and the development of social economy, said she was impressed by the forward-looking vision shown in the town.

"The forward-looking mindset shown here is great because the attitude will help us improve our society and guard against possible negative consequences," she said.

"This is my first visit to Hangzhou. The city is lovely with nice weather," the scholar remarked.