The discussion about governance was not confined to meeting rooms. At the forum venue, international visitors paused to examine displays of Xiong"an"s latest technological achievements. Some interacted with locally developed robots, while others gathered around models showcasing the city"s emerging industries.

　　Among the exhibits drawing attention was a model of the "Xiong"an-1," the first satellite manufactured in the new area by Hongqing Technology. The latest milestone came on August 19, when the Xiong"an-1 was successfully launched into orbit aboard a Zhuque-3 Y2 reusable rocket from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in Jiuquan, Northwest China"s Gansu Province. For many participants, the exhibits offered a glimpse of how a city established only nine years ago is developing advanced industries alongside its urban infrastructure.

　　Andrea Renda, director of research at the Centre for European Policy Studies and an expert on AI governance, showed particular interest in Xiong"an"s focus on physical AI - applying artificial intelligence in the real world - rather than pursuing distant technological ambitions.

　　"I am working on similar topics in Europe, and am determined to bring some of the achievements of Xiong"an, and also any of the challenges, back home after the forum," he told the Global Times.

　　Dr Yukteshwar Kumar, a sinologist and professor at the University of Bath in the UK, who previously served as deputy mayor of Bath, also saw wider significance in the choice of Xiong"an as the forum"s host city. He told the Global Times that holding a major international event in Xiong"an demonstrated that China"s capacity to host high-level global gatherings is not limited to megacities.