China’s AI Boom: From Robotics to Pet Apps, Hangzhou Emerges as a Tech Hub
Hangzhou, often dubbed China's Silicon Valley, has rapidly evolved into a powerhouse for artificial intelligence development. Companies here are pushing boundaries—from advanced robotics and brain-computer interfaces to AI-powered pet apps and fortune-telling programs. The city's tech scene gained global recognition after DeepSeek spotlighted Chinese AI innovation last year.
Both China and the U.S. are racing to develop the next frontier of AI: real-world applications. Tech giants like Meta and Tencent are building "world models"—AI systems designed to navigate physical environments, guide autonomous vehicles, or predict weather patterns. China's government has prioritized "embodied intelligence" in its Five-Year Plan, while a U.S. congressional advisory panel warns of Beijing's rapid progress in physical AI applications.
Cheaper energy costs are helping Chinese AI startups offset disadvantages in chip access. Several Hangzhou-based firms are now preparing for public listings, signaling growing investor confidence in the sector.