Shanghai is moving further into the digital age by hanging plates with quick response (QR) codes on the outside 10 of its landmark buildings.
A QR code is machine-readable, made up of black and white squares that are typically used for storing web addresses and other information. It can be read by a barcode reader app on a smartphone.
Historical information and the stories behind the buildings can be obtained by anyone who scans the codes.
Landmark buildings that have received the special QR codes include Park Hotel, Yangtze Hotel and Shanghai Concert Hall.
Information on 50 more historical buildings on East Nanjing Road are ready to be encoded.
The five-kilometer street – ostensibly one of the world’s busiest for shopping – is home to a mix of modern and old structures, with historical architecture from the 1920s and 1930s.
The street dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and many of the same shops then are still around.
The local government office says the readable QR codes function on an open platform. Anyone may add or edit information.
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Shanghai buildings now feature QR codes
