China boosts tourism with AI innovations
From planning trips to chatting with holographic poets, AI is reshaping tourism in China with real-time guidance, local flavour, and immersive tech experiences.
China’s tourism industry is undergoing rapid transformation as AI technologies become increasingly integrated into both national platforms and regional services. Instead of relying solely on traditional travel planning, tourists can now receive personalised itinerary suggestions in seconds.
Major platforms such as Trip.com use large AI models to assist users before, during and after their journeys—cutting decision-making time from 9 to 6.6 hours, according to Chairman Liang Jianzhang.
Several provinces and cities, including Guizhou and Shanghai, have launched their own AI tourism agents with distinct local features. Guizhou’s Huang Xiao Xi, a digital assistant in ethnic attire, offers tailored travel plans and food ordering options instantly.
Meanwhile, Shanghai’s Hu Xiao You connects tourists with real-time data about venues, traffic, and public amenities, learning from user feedback to improve recommendations over time.
Instead of overwhelming tourists with raw data, these AI agents streamline access to relevant information for a more efficient travel experience.
The rise of wearable AI guides and immersive tech, such as VR, AR, and 3D projections, has also transformed visits to museums and exhibitions. Visitors can now interact with holographic historical figures or animated ancient artworks, blending culture with innovation.
Rather than replacing traditional tourism, China is revitalising it through technology, aiming for improved digitisation, automation and smarter services that meet local development goals.
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