On the morning of Aug 28, a group of middle school students in bright yellow vests gathered outside the Guiyang International Convention and Exhibition Center in Guizhou province.

Selected by the media center of Guanshanhu district, these students were about to mark their debut as bilingual reporters at the 2025 China International Big Data Industry Expo.

Among them was 15-year-old Li Yihan from Zunyi, Guizhou. "I've read several journalists' memoirs, and I've always been fascinated by this profession," he said.

In preparation for the event, Li and his peers underwent pre-job training. "Our English teacher reviewed potential interview questions, and experienced journalists taught us how to respond flexibly in complex situations," Li explained.

As soon as they entered the exhibition hall, the students were immediately captivated by the cutting-edge technology on display.

Li chose to report on a cable repair robot developed by China Southern Power Grid. "The staff told me the robot is named 'Wukong' because it uses a 'duplication technique' like the Monkey King," he said. "Operators can control it remotely in real time, so there's no need for humans to enter dangerous areas."

Liu Yunyi, a 14-year-old from Guiyang, interviewed a man using a robotic arm, who had lost his forearm and had the device installed at his elbow.

"The man explained that the robotic arm made everyday tasks easier, from writing and carrying objects to improving his overall quality of life," Liu said.

"Attending the expo gave me a firsthand look at just how advanced China's technology has become," she added. "I saw things here that I once thought existed only in sci-fi movies."

Wang Zini, also 14 and from Guiyang, was intrigued by drone soccer. "It was my first time seeing such a unique sport, and I learned that it's gradually being included in official competitions," she said.

She described the game: a quadcopter is placed inside a netted sphere and flown through a suspended hoop. Matches are typically played in 3v3 or 5v5 formats.

As bilingual reporters, the students also interacted with international exhibitors. Wang, for example, interviewed a US exhibitor whose company provides factory inspection services for hardware manufacturers.

Speaking English was not always easy for the 14-year-old, especially when technical terms became confusing. But she quickly found a way to adjust.

"With international exhibitors, I shifted the focus to lifestyle and cultural exchanges, like recommending Guiyang's local cuisine or asking about their impressions of the city," Wang said. "It was my first time speaking with foreigners, and I was nervous at first, but their warmth helped me relax."

Behind the scenes

While most of her peers wrote articles, Liu chose to report through short videos.

"Videos bring the event to life for viewers," she explained. "They capture the atmosphere and make the experience more engaging."

That choice, however, came with its own challenges. Some interviewees were reluctant to be filmed, and at times, passersby wandered into the frame, forcing her to reshoot.

"Video reporting requires smooth communication, so even small interruptions during an interview can affect the final product," Liu said.

Despite these obstacles, she successfully produced four videos, and the experience, she added, gave her a new perspective on journalism.

"Journalists don't just share information. They dig deeper, seek a thorough understanding of the issues, and use their skills to clearly present facts to the public," Liu said. "Telling a story is much more complex than it looks."

Li, who had attended the expo before as a visitor, also felt the difference this time as a reporter.

"As a visitor, I might only browse the exhibits casually," he said. "But as a reporter, I had the opportunity to truly engage with the tech products and develop a deeper appreciation for the immense effort researchers put into their work."

mengwenjie@i21st.cn