TLDR: Chinese businesses are rapidly integrating generative AI technologies, with over 600 million users recorded by the end of 2024. The country’s core AI industry reached nearly 600 billion yuan ($84 billion) in 2024, driven by 302 registered generative AI services and significant open-source development. AI applications are transforming various sectors, from entertainment and healthcare to retail and education, as showcased at the 2025 China International Digital Economy Expo.
China’s business landscape is undergoing a profound transformation as companies increasingly adopt and integrate generative artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations and strategies. A report by the Cyberspace Administration of China revealed that by the end of 2024, the nation had amassed over 600 million registered users for generative AI services. This rapid adoption is supported by a burgeoning ecosystem, with 302 generative AI services having completed registration, including 238 new products launched throughout the year 2024.
Leading large-model applications within China have demonstrated remarkable engagement, with several surpassing 30 million daily active users and achieving performance metrics that rank among the highest globally. The applications of generative AI are diverse and widespread, impacting sectors such as audiovisual entertainment, cultural creativity, and medical consultation.
Zhang Guangyao, deputy director of the network technology management bureau under the Cyberspace Administration of China, emphasized the nation’s commitment to fostering an open-source AI environment. “We have been actively promoting open-source AI development,” Zhang stated. This initiative has led to the growth of ModelScope, which has become China’s largest repository of AI models, hosting over 70,000 models and serving 16 million developers globally, with contributions from more than 500 organizations. This robust open-source innovation has attracted over 8 million developers worldwide to participate in China’s AI ecosystem.
The economic impact of this AI surge is substantial. In 2024, China’s core AI industry saw significant growth, reaching nearly 600 billion yuan (approximately $84 billion). This industrial chain encompasses critical components, from chips and algorithms to platforms and diverse applications.
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The practical integration of AI into the economy was further highlighted at the 2025 China International Digital Economy Expo, which took place in Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei Province. The expo showcased a range of AI-powered innovations, demonstrating how digital technologies are reshaping industries. Examples included unmanned stores, which leverage AI for automated retail experiences, and smart classrooms, which utilize AI to enhance educational delivery and personalized learning. The event served as a platform for global experts to discuss inclusive and sustainable digital growth, underscoring China’s role in the global AI discourse.
