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Chinese City Opens Mobile Phone Lane For Pedestrians

There Are Mobile Phone Lanes In China And We're Not Sure How We Feel About It
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When you're engrossed in a good Twitter session, walking along the pavement without knocking over a small child can be challenging.

But one city may have found the solution to this tricksy problem.

Rather than recommending their phone-loving population try out a digital detox, the authorities in Chongqing, China, appear to have painted a designated mobile phone lane on one of their roads.

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A sign at the top of the road says the 100ft stretch marks the “first mobile phone sidewalk in China."

In a statement, Nong Cheng, the marketing official with Meixin Group which manages the area, said: "There are lots of elderly people and children in our street, and walking with your cellphone may cause unnecessary collisions here."

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Nong said the idea came from a similar stretch of pavement in Washington DC created by National Geographic Television in July as part of a behavior experiment.

Although the idea does sound practical, we can't help but wonder if the new lanes will only make our technology addictions worse.

Call us old fashioned, but wouldn't we be better switching off our devices and actually looking at where we're walking?

What do you think of the mobile phone lanes? Let us know by answering the poll below:

Unplug And Relax At These Digital Detox Retreats
Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona(01 of17)
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The gold standard of detox retreats, Canyon Ranch has become synonymous with relaxation, rejuvenation and total luxury. The all-inclusive health resort and luxury spa caters to the rich and famous, offering the best in healthy cuisine, spa servies, body work, fitness activities, and spirituality and meditation facilites. The resort also offers educational opportunities to help you make a long-lasting commitment to healthy living. One-week all-inclusive stays start at $11,740 per person. (credit:Flickr: Tim Murtaugh)
Shambhala Ranch Retreat, Ukiah, California(02 of17)
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St. Vincent and the Grenadines, The Caribbean(03 of17)
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The small Caribbean island group of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is encouraging travelers to leave their gadgets at home when they come to enjoy the tropical beauty of the island on their vacation. The islands offer a digital detox vacation package, complete with a tech-free travel guidebook and life coach who will guide you in learning not to let technology control your life. (credit:Getty)
Jacada Travel African Retreat, Tanzania & Mozambique(04 of17)
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Via Yoga Retreats, Mexico & Costa Rica(05 of17)
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On the shores of Lake Placid, surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, the rustic yet luxurious Lake Placid Lodge is the perfect place to escape the distractions of everyday life. With the "Check-In to Check-Out" package, you can check in your devices upon arrival and use the rest of your trip to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, outdoor activities, and the hotel's many amenities. Private cabins start at $375 per night. (credit:Flickr: rhyndman)
The Westin Dublin Digital Detox Package, Dublin, Ireland(07 of17)
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Dublin may be a major metropolitan city, but that doesn't mean you can't do a little unplugging on your next trip to Ireland. The luxurious, five-star Westin Dublin's digital detox package includes breakfast in bed, in-room massage, detox survival kit, and a safe to lock your gadgets away in, so that you can enjoy tranquility and peace in the heart of downtown Dublin. Rates start at $227 per person per night. (credit:Flickr: || UggBoy♥UggGirl || PHOTO || WORLD || TRAVEL ||)
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Camp Grounded, Anderson Valley, California(09 of17)
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Harem Escape, Marrakech, Morocco(11 of17)
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This luxury Moroccan getaway for women comes with everything you could want in a wellness getaway: Yoga, meditation, spa treatments, organic fine dining, a gorgeous setting and poolside lounging. Harem Escape describes itself as an "oriental paradise where [guests] are encouraged to leave behind the stresses of the world" -- and it's undoubtedly the perfect place for stress relief. The intimate property (it contains just nine rooms) is nestled on 24 acres of desert grounds just outside the vibrant city of Marrakech. All-inclusive prices start at $545 per person per night. (credit:Harem Escape)
The Farm at San Benito, Lipa City, Philippines(12 of17)
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The Island Experience, Ilha Grande, Brazil(13 of17)
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Spa Eastman, Eastman, Quebec(14 of17)
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Coworth Park Hotel & Spa, Ascot, England(16 of17)
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Gaia Retreat & Spa, NSW, Australia(17 of17)
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