Big Tech and Start-ups Propel China’s Generative AI Users to 230 Million

By the end of June, the number of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) users in China reached a staggering 230 million, signaling the rapid integration of large language model (LLM) services into the daily lives of millions across the world’s largest internet market. This figure, reported by the China Internet Network Information Centre (CNNIC), highlights that roughly one in every six Chinese internet users now engages with GenAI technology. The explosive growth reflects an intense push by both emerging start-ups and established tech giants to dominate the evolving AI landscape.

At the forefront of this GenAI revolution is Baidu’s Ernie Bot, known locally as Wenxiaoyan, which has emerged as the most frequently used GenAI product in China, commanding an impressive 11.5% market share. Baidu’s leadership in the space showcases the firm’s commitment to innovation and its ability to meet the demands of a highly competitive market. Interestingly, despite not being officially available in mainland China, US-based platforms OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini have secured significant footholds, holding 7% and 3.8% of the market, respectively. This demonstrates a remarkable demand for foreign GenAI solutions, even in the face of regulatory hurdles and localized competition, further underscoring the global appeal of advanced AI technologies.

The CNNIC report offers deeper insights into how Chinese users are harnessing the power of GenAI. Nearly two-thirds of users rely on these AI systems primarily for answering questions, positioning them as essential tools for information retrieval, research, and problem-solving. These models provide rapid, accurate, and contextually rich responses, enhancing users’ ability to navigate complex inquiries. Meanwhile, approximately one-third of users employ GenAI as productivity-enhancing tools in their professional lives. These users leverage AI to automate tasks such as generating meeting transcripts, drafting reports, and creating presentation slides, showcasing the transformative impact of GenAI in business environments and day-to-day workflows.

The widespread adoption of GenAI in China highlights the country’s accelerating embrace of AI-driven innovation. Companies like Baidu, along with many others, are leading the charge in refining and expanding the capabilities of GenAI platforms to meet the diverse needs of both consumers and enterprises. This rapid technological advancement is also contributing to China’s broader strategy of solidifying its position as a global leader in AI research and application.

Moreover, the adoption patterns revealed by the report illustrate the growing reliance on AI as a key driver of productivity and efficiency. GenAI is reshaping how individuals seek information, collaborate in professional settings, and streamline complex tasks. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, its potential to revolutionize industries such as education, healthcare, finance, and more is becoming clear.

China’s remarkable GenAI adoption not only underscores the nation’s technological ambitions but also signals a broader global trend toward the mainstreaming of AI. With 230 million users and growing, China is setting the stage for a future where AI is an indispensable part of both personal and professional spheres, further cementing its role as a pivotal player in the global AI ecosystem. As competition among tech giants intensifies and the capabilities of GenAI continue to evolve, the transformative potential of this technology will undoubtedly reshape the digital landscape on an unprecedented scale.