China's AI user base surges, generative AI industry expands

The number of generative artificial intelligence users in China has exceeded 700 million as of June, according to a recent report. This represents a significant rise from 602 million users at the end of 2025.

The report was issued by the policy and international cooperation institution of the China Internet Network Information Center on Tuesday during the 7th China Internet Infrastructure Resources Conference.

The report reveals that around 76 percent of internet users engage with AI primarily for question-and-answer purposes. This is followed by the use of AI in generating or processing images, videos, texts, and crafting meeting summaries.

The report specifies that the use of applications such as AI assistants and AI productivity tools for office work grew by more than 100 percent year-on-year. Additionally, 38.7 percent of internet users in China have purchased smart hardware devices online in the past six months.

Generative AI industries play a crucial role in driving new productive forces and advancing modernization. Over the past year, China has seen notable developments in AI-related sectors. As of June 2026, China is home to 10,740 companies involved in AI large models, AI agents, robotics, and related fields. These enterprises are mainly concentrated in Beijing, Shanghai, and the provinces of Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.

The report also highlights the widespread application of generative AI across diverse sectors, including agriculture, industrial manufacturing, programming, office work, embodied intelligence, and scientific research. Additionally, it states that China's generative AI policies have been continuously refined, shifting from focusing solely on overcoming technological challenges to placing greater emphasis on scenario-specific applications and regulatory governance.

China has adopted an inclusive yet cautious approach to ensure institutional safeguards for the healthy, well-regulated, and sustainable development of these industries, the report notes.