A humanoid robot capable of conversation and communication was surrounded by visitors; facial recognition equipment, like an “AI doctor,” could conduct remote consultations and generate health assessments through eye scans; a virtual bridge constructed using digital twin technology allowed visitors to intuitively understand the sophisticated construction techniques of a world-class bridge…
In the specialized exhibition area of the 2025 China International Big Data Industry Expo (“Big Data Expo”) recently held in Guiyang, these technologically advanced scenes vividly portrayed how “AI+” is accelerating the empowerment of numerous industries.
Of the digital economy-related products and services presented by 375 Chinese and international exhibitors, over 60% were related to “AI+.” This not only gave visitors a preview of future life but also served as a vivid illustration of China’s advancement of the “AI+” initiative and the deepening of its “Digital China” initiative.
iFlytek unveiled its “Urban Intelligent Body” concept at the Big Data Expo. “From the many intelligent entities and smart terminal exhibits on site, as well as the topics discussed by Chinese and foreign experts at the meeting, it is not difficult to see that China’s ‘artificial intelligence +’ action is having an increasingly obvious impact on consumption, production, life and other fields”, said Chen Minjun, general manager of iFlytek’s Digital Government Business Department.
Yu Ying, Deputy Director of the National Data Administration of China, stated that the global digital economy has entered a new stage centered on the marketization of data elements and driven by intelligent technology.
This empowering effect, characterized by intelligent driving, is particularly evident in China’s grassroots governance. The recently concluded “Village Super” national finals brought immense popularity to the small southwestern city of Rongjiang, Guizhou. However, the influx of self-driving vehicles from across China also posed a significant challenge to local traffic.
Guizhou’s traffic management department, leveraging the “Provincial Highway Vehicle Operation Status” module, integrates data from highway traffic police checkpoints, ETC (Electronic Ticket Control), and toll station ramps to create a “real-time highway vehicle operation map for the entire province.” This allows for the prediction of peak traffic flows and the timely diversion of vehicles away from urban and suburban ramps, effectively alleviating congestion. It is understood that this system has provided transportation support for thousands of large-scale events across the province, improving traffic efficiency.
As China’s first national-level comprehensive big data pilot zone, Guizhou’s intelligent technology applications extend far beyond this.
To facilitate summer travel in Guizhou, Guizhou has launched the intelligent tourism assistant “Huang Xiaoxi.” “Huang Xiaoxi is named after three of Guizhou’s most iconic scenic spots: Huangguoshu Waterfall, Xiaoqikong Cave in Libo, and Qianhu Miao Village in Xijiang,” said Luo Qiang, Vice Governor of Guizhou Province. “Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, you can enjoy thoughtful, intelligent services through this app,” he explained.
Currently, Guizhou is promoting the synergy between computing power, data, applications, and industries to continuously strengthen and optimize the digital economy. Developing the artificial intelligence industry, focusing on industry-specific big models, is a core task. Luo Qiang stated, “We have already created nearly 100 big model application scenarios across 24 key industries across the province.”
Across China, the reach of “AI+” is extending into more areas. For example, the intelligent inspection robots used in the Daqing Oilfield, with their high-precision oil leak detection capabilities, have significantly improved pipeline operation and maintenance efficiency. Shanghai’s AI education terminals, capable of real-time homework grading and targeted exercises, have been dubbed “AI private tutors” by parents. The Guangzhou Municipal Government Service Center integrates data from dozens of departments, enabling a growing number of matters to be handled online, effectively reducing the need for citizens to run around and allowing data to run more efficiently.
The rapid development of intelligent technology requires a solid industrial foundation. China has become the world’s largest holder of AI patents, accounting for 60%. By the end of 2024, China had registered 302 generative AI services, and 9.4 million software developers were active on the front lines of innovation, providing core support for technological advancement.
To promote the development of the AI industry, the Chinese government has recently introduced policies such as the “New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan” and provided special funding. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other departments have established a national artificial intelligence fund with a scale of 60 billion yuan, and continue to deploy projects integrating artificial intelligence and the economy; more than 400 “little giants” specializing in and innovative artificial intelligence are accelerating their rise, transforming “artificial intelligence empowerment” from an abstract concept into visible and tangible real changes.
Xie Shaofeng, Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, explained that this year’s Government Work Report proposed continuing to advance the “Artificial Intelligence Plus” initiative, better integrating digital technology with manufacturing and market advantages to support large-scale and widespread application.
China recently issued the “Opinions on Deepening the Implementation of the ‘Artificial Intelligence Plus’ Initiative.” Regarding “Artificial Intelligence Plus,” the initiative proposes accelerating the implementation of six key actions, including science and technology, industrial development, consumption quality improvement, people’s well-being, governance capacity, and global cooperation, charting a clear path for industry development.
Several experts interviewed stated that since the beginning of this year, amidst the coexistence of global competition and cooperation in AI, China’s AI boom has continued, accelerating its empowerment across all sectors of the economy and society. At the same time, China has actively participated in global AI governance, promoting pilot programs for cross-border data flows and international joint research and development. Through technology sharing and joint standard building, China is injecting Chinese momentum into global industrial upgrading and high-quality economic development.
