I found out about the 2025 WAIC (World AI Conference) in Shanghai late last week—just in time to snag an expo ticket for the final day. The first three days of exhibitions and forums were already sold out. Still, I couldn’t resist. A quick trip to Shanghai, a peek at some cutting-edge AI projects in China, and maybe even a few conversations with potential clients or investors for my own work—definitely worth the dash.

Getting here meant a 4:00 a.m. alarm and a quiet DiDi ride through a still-sleeping city.

My theme this morning? Patience.

Patience while I waited for my car on an empty boulevard at 4:30 a.m.

Patience getting onto the plane—and again getting off. My seat? Row 57J. If there was a “last ticket sold” award, I may have won it. Honestly, I didn’t mind. No pressure to rush onboard, and at least I didn’t bring any checked bags. Carry-on only: the great travel equalizer.

Once in Shanghai, I actually managed to find the e-hailing pickup zone on the first try. That hasn’t always been the case. I’ve ended up on the wrong level more than once, waving at a confused driver far below me. But today? Smooth sailing.

That said, my vibe was calm and unhurried. My driver’s? Not so much.

Xue tells me Chinese drivers don’t really follow rules—and I’ve come to believe her. I’ve seen cars wedge their way through groups of pedestrians in ways that would probably cause an uproar back in the U.S. It’s a different rhythm here, one you learn to adapt to, or at least marvel at.

Anyway, I’ve made it to the hotel. My ticket is for tomorrow, but I’m heading to the expo hall now. Maybe I can sneak a peek today—or at least strike up a few good conversations. Let’s see what China’s AI scene has in store.

Let’s go.