China's Generative AI Users Surge to 515 Million
China's Generative AI Adoption Skyrockets
The China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) revealed staggering growth in generative AI adoption during its October 18 report at the 6th China Internet Basic Resources Conference. By June 2025, 515 million Chinese users had embraced generative AI tools - representing 36.5% penetration nationwide.
Unprecedented Growth Trajectory
The first half of 2025 saw 266 million new users adopt generative AI technologies, marking a 106.6% increase from December 2024. This explosive growth demonstrates rapid mainstream acceptance across Chinese society.
Demographic Breakdown Shows Youth Dominance
Zhang Xiao, CNNIC Vice Director, presented revealing usage patterns:
- 74.6% of users are under 40 years old
- Teenagers (≤19) form the largest cohort at 33.8%
- Education correlates strongly with adoption:
- Bachelor's degree holders: 28.9%
- Associate degree holders: 8.6%
- Junior high school education: 29.8%
"Younger, highly educated groups show markedly higher acceptance rates," Zhang noted during his presentation.
Domestic Models Capture Market Share
The report highlights overwhelming preference for Chinese-developed AI:
- Over 90% of users prioritize domestic large models
- Regulatory filings show robust ecosystem development:
- 538 generative AI services completed filing
- 263 applications/features registered by August 2025
Expanding Industry Applications
Generative AI has penetrated diverse sectors:
- Core tech applications:
- Intelligent search systems
- Automated content creation
- Office productivity tools
- Emerging industrial uses:
- Agricultural optimization
- Manufacturing processes
- Scientific research acceleration
The technology shows particular promise in bridging digital divides between urban and rural populations through accessible interfaces.
Key Points:
- China added 266 million new generative AI users in H1 2025 (106.6% growth)
- Teenagers and young adults (≤40 years) comprise 74.6% of users
- Domestic models command >90% user preference
- Applications now span from creative tools to industrial automation
