Longgang's AI visual creativity White Paper takes center stage at WAIC

    07-20,2026

    The AI-enabled Advertising and Marketing Innovation Forum of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) was held at the West Bund International Convention & Exhibition Center in Shanghai on July 19.Huamin (left), founder of the AI Creators Alliance, and Luo Cheng (right), chief advisor of the Global AI Visual Creativity Competition (VACAT Awards) and an AI content creator, pose together at the forum.Back in October 2025, the country's first White Paper on AI Visual Creativity Applications (2025) was unveiled at the 2nd Longgang Global AI VACAT Awards, filling a void in systematic research on AI visual creativity applications in China. The 2026 edition has traveled from the Longgang competition venue to the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, and will make its full debut at the 3rd VACAT Awards.According to Luo Cheng, over 8,000 global submissions and a massive community of creators accumulated across the first two VACAT editions form a solid practical foundation for the white paper.Findings from the VACAT Awards are showcased at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference(WAIC).Jointly compiled by the competition's organizing committee and Lumier. AI, China's largest AIGC creator community, the document is China's first industry guide offering systematic insights into AI visual creativity applications. It comprehensively sorts out the industry’s development landscape, core bottlenecks and future trends, aiming to steer the sector from exploratory experimentation toward standardized, mature growth.The white paper features extensive first-hand practical data, including comparison tables for mainstream AI video tools covering core areas such as functionality, enterprise applicability and cost performance, all repeatedly verified by professional film and television studios.The VACAT Awards continuously supplies rich materials for the white paper, while the white paper in turn guides creators to craft higher-quality works. The two advance hand in hand in a mutually reinforcingupward spiral.Calls for submissions to the 3rd 2026 Global AI VACAT Awards launch on July 10, with global entry channels available worldwide via Douyin.Focusing entirely on artificial intelligence, the competition evolves its categories annually to match shifting AI media carriers, making the awards a pure chronological record of AI's evolving media forms. Longgang has built a fully native, AI-original awards platform.

    Longgang advances low-altitude economy with new aerial corridors

    07-17,2026

    Shenzhen's Longgang district made solid progress in developing its low-altitude economy during the first half of the year by strengthening policy support, expanding real-world applications, attracting industry investment and hosting major events.A formation of 4,500 drones creates the world's first dynamic 3D aerial light-and-shadow track that draws massive online attention.On March 27, the 2026 Longgang Low-Altitude Economy Innovation Development Conference and FPV Drone Racing Challenge was inaugurated, showcasing Longgang's low-altitude applications and brand outreach work in H1.A centerpiece of the event, the Low-Altitude Economy Innovation Development Conference featured themed exhibitions, technical matchmaking and safety drills. Longgang showcased its technical prowess in formation flight and low-altitude security, facilitated China's first-ever low-altitude public data transaction, and simultaneously released 81 low-altitude industry needs from paired assistance regions spanning seven sectors, including intelligent airspace coordination, emergency rescue, agriculture-tourism integration, low-altitude logistics, and cultural tourism.Longgang seals landmark cooperation agreements with Huawei, Cenglin Capital and the Low-Altitude Economy Branch of the IDEA Research Institute, as well as local firms such as Kunxiang Aviation, which secured major national orders.The Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Investment Fund was unveiled alongside the inauguration of the Low-Altitude Safety Equipment Industrial Consortium. These moves accelerate the creation of a low-altitude ecosystem integrating technology, real-world applications, capital and industrial players, positioning Longgang as a national benchmark demonstration zone for low-altitude industrial ecosystems.Longgang has broken cross-departmental silos by coordinating flight resources across 28 government agencies. Following the completion of China's first low-altitude public data product transaction, the district established standardized operating procedures and an end-to-end system for collecting, verifying data rights and trading data related to fire prevention, illegal construction, river monitoring and other aspects of urban management.The smart large-screen comprehensive monitoring interface displays Longgang's One-Net Unified Flight UAV management and service platform.The Aerial Transport Corridor System has rolled out plans for five test routes, prioritizing three core operational tracks: industrial logistics, public services and government administration. Additional applicationsin areas such as emergency supply delivery and cultural tourism shuttle services will be gradually expanded.

    Longgang pioneers new smart logistics model with night auto delivery vehicle

    07-16,2026

    Longgang district has put in place an efficient intelligent logistics model featuring daytime last-mile delivery and nighttime warehouse network replenishment. From full-district road right opening to multi-scenario application and infrastructure empowerment, the district has built a benchmark for intelligent logistics through all-round innovation, continuously fueling the high-quality development of Shenzhen's smart city initiative.JD Logistics runs almost 100 autonomous delivery vehicles across Shenzhen, with nearly 40 operating in Longgang district.Under the guidance of Shenzhen Municipal Transportation Bureau, Longgang took the lead in fully opening nighttime road rights for functional autonomous vehicles across the district, effectively tackling long-standing industry pain points including saturated daytime traffic flow and constrained capacity for autonomous deliveries.After two years of on-site trial operation and refinement, the district released a complete set of administrative measures for autonomous vehicles in July, establishing full-process norms covering vehicle access, road passage, safety supervision and operational support.On March 26, a municipal-level policy granted cross-district freight passage rights for autonomous vehicles in Pingshan and Longgang districts from 10 pm to 6 am daily. Policy dividends rapidly translated into industrial growth: within merely three months, the number of nighttime autonomous delivery routes citywide jumped from an initial two to 331, with over 100 vehicles deployed. Total nighttime driving mileage exceeded 40,000 kilometers in June.Longgang has also rolled out supporting infrastructure and pioneered a collaborative system for autonomous logistics with local state-owned enterprises. The district led the integration of eastern bus groups with logistics and autonomous vehicle firms, renovating existing bus stations to build exclusive charging and refueling depots and regional transit hubs for autonomous vehicles. This enables the multi-purpose station utilization and unified administration of logistics resources, ensuring the round-the-clock stable operation of autonomous vehicles.By day, autonomous vehicles mainly handle cargo transshipment within subdistricts: couriers depart with primary batches of goods for door-to-door delivery, while remaining parcels are transported to subdistrict stations in batches by autonomous vehicles. This completely resolves past bottlenecks such as limited single-load capacity and frequent return trips to replenish inventory at service outlets.Off-peak nighttime operation has generated substantial multiplier effects for the logistics sector. Single-vehicle operating costs dropped by roughly 20 percent, and capacity utilization rose by 66 percent. Improved efficiency ultimately benefits consumers across the city.

    Longgang launches OpenIndustry Community platform to enhance AI in manufacturing

    07-15,2026

    Longgang district of Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province has launched the OpenIndustry Community, a platform aimed at using industrial knowledge graphs to equip artificial intelligence with an "industrial brain". OpenIndustry Community addresses the "misfit" of general AI models in manufacturing, where data bias and logical fallacies hinder meeting the high precision and safety demands of industrial production.An aerial view of Longgang urban area.The platform features three core components: the Industrial Ontology-based Knowledge Graph Center, the Industrial AI Application Center, and the Industrial AI Talent Center. These components utilize multimodal extraction, 3D analysis, and human-machine interface to transform fragmented engineering experiences into structured knowledge graphs.Additionally, the platform introduces a dual-track points-sharing mechanism, allowing knowledge contributions to be exchanged for computational power, technical services, and even commercial opportunities, alleviating companies' concerns about sharing knowledge.The platform was launched in Longgang due to its strong industrial foundation. The district hosts nearly 30,000 industrial enterprises across 133 categories, with an industrial output exceeding 1 trillion yuan (147 billion) for two consecutive years. From R&D to manufacturing, and from supply chain management to equipment maintenance, Longgang boasts a comprehensive real-world manufacturing environment that serves as the most critical "testing ground" for general-purpose AI models.The output value of the AI industry in Longgang has already exceeded 4 billion yuan, and it aims to reach a trillion-yuan scale in AI and robotics by 2030.At the launch ceremony of the platform, Longgang also released its first list of real-world "Industrial+AI" scenario needs, covering areas like integrated circuit testing, 3D printing visual calibration, and predictive maintenance.

    Longgang united in welcoming APEC

    07-14,2026

    The 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be hosted in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on december 11. A series of preliminary events running under the banner "Be Gracious Hosts and Welcome APEC" kicked off in Longgang district on July 10.Longgang district has achieved full-district coverage and broad public participation in terms of its preparatory work for the APEC meeting, supported by effective volunteer service systems and exemplary role models. The district has organized a diverse range of engaging themed activities to ensure all residents can participate in, witness and benefit from 2026 being the APEC China Year.Student representatives deliver the bilingual civilization initiative "Be gracious Hosts and Welcome APEC" recitations.More than 10 co-built activities are open to the public in Longgang district. Representative programs include Lingnan herbal tea tasting and the chance to experience traditional Chinese medicine pastry, which have been attracting large crowds. The Fun Longgang & Young Ambassadors bilingual landmark promotion program arranges for student representatives to visit iconic local cultural sites including Crane Lake Hakka Village and Dafen Oil Painting Village. The program aims to boost exchanges featuring mutual learning between different civilizations. It has developed a systematic set of practicable courses revolving around Lingnan culture and civic etiquette norms.Citizens are participating in interactive knowledge quizzes to deepen their understanding of Asia-Pacific economic cooperation. The on-site APEC ICH Experience Workshop provided one-day hands-on craft sessions on traditional ICH techniques from multiple APEC economies exclusively for participants on July 10.The fair also featured more than ten customized civilization experience booths offering Lingnan herbal tea tasting and traditional Chinese medicine pastry appreciation. These well-received exhibition projects attracted a large number of local residents and effectively enriched the public's APEC-themed cultural experience.Longgang has built up a grassroots volunteer service team to provide standardized urban supporting services throughout the 2026 APEC event period. Four role models aimed at improving people's morals have brought their studios to the July 10 launching ceremony venue to support the build-up to the APEC meeting. Their service scope covers urban regular mobile urban civility inspections, care services for vulnerable groups, popularization of APEC-related public welfare and cultural knowledge, as well as integrated anti-drug and mental health popularization. These exemplary volunteers set benchmark examples for public participation in APEC supporting work.Longgang district will contribute its strength to help foster an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.

    Shenzhen competition attracts Nordic doctoral talents

    07-13,2026

    The Exchange Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship between Longgang of Shenzhen, China and Stockholm, Sweden was held in Stockholmon July 6 as a promotional event for the 10th China (Shenzhen) Innovation and Entrepreneurship International Competition.The event drew nearly 70 experts and scholars from top Swedish universities and research institutions including the Royal Institute of Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm University and Linköping University. More than 50 participants held doctoral or postdoctoral credentials as high-end talents. Projects are signed on site.Mao Xinyue, chairperson of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association in Sweden, said the association will serve as a vital bridge to attract more young talents to learn about Shenzhen and take part in the competition.Docter Liu Chunxin, project lead of a second prize winner at the ninth China (Shenzhen) Innovation and Entrepreneurship International Competition, shared his experience of participating in the contest and settling his project in Longgang district. He elaborated on targeted supportive policies rolled out by Longgang for industrial resource matching and the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements. Participants pose for a group photo during the July 7 project matching event.A project matching forum was hosted at the Karolinska Institutet on July 7. Cui Yuting, counsellor for Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Sweden, Zhu Wu, deputy secretary-general of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, and Tang Xiangqun, chairman of the Longgang district committee of the CPPCC, attended the forum.Cui noted the broad prospects for bilateral cooperation between China and Sweden in life sciences and healthcare, green low carbon development and advanced manufacturing. He voiced hope that more Swedish teams would leverage the competition platform to gain in-depth knowledge of Shenzhen and tap into China’s vast market.Doctors and postdoctoral researchers from the Karolinska Institutet covering cancer pathology, clinical neuroscience, molecular medicine, biomedical engineering and immunology held exchanges with the Shenzhen delegation. The two sides carried out targeted matching sessions focusing on biomedicine and artificial intelligence.Longgang has built a full-spectrum service ecosystem in recent years covering talent recruitment through competitions, project incubation, research achievement transformation and enterprise settlement. The Stockholm event aims to expand the international influence of the China Shenzhen Innovation and Entrepreneurship International Competition across the Nordic region and accelerate the industrialization and local incubation of overseas innovative outcomes in Longgang. 

    Longgang empowers rural vitalization through sci-tech innovation

    07-10,2026

    Longgang districtin Shenzhen, Guangdong province, is powering ahead with its All in AI strategy and building a demonstration zone for full-scenario and all-time AI application.Starting from 2023, Longgang has been forging industrial cooperation ties with Haifeng, Longmen and Huidong counties under Guangdong's "Hundred, Thousand, and Ten Thousand Project", which aims to foster high-quality development across 100 counties, 1,000 towns, and 10,000 villages.A rendering of custom-built factory premises for functional films in Longmen county.Technology empowers rural areas and first transforms production modes on farmland. More than 30 village cadres and agricultural leaders from Taohe town of Haifeng county have now taken part in AI-enabled rural revitalization training programs held in Longgang. Chikeng town has introduced an AI early warning system for litchi growth and pest control as well as drone farm management. Meanwhile, authorities have deployed internet of things equipment across orchards to deliver precise irrigation and pest alerts.Longgang replicates its industrial incubation logic in partner counties to help county-level regions foster self-sustaining growth drivers. The county has targeted the new material sector of functional thin films. It injects cooperative funds to construct custom-built factory buildings and has facilitated cooperation between Harbin Institute of Technology Wuxi New Materials Research Institute and local authorities to set up the South China Innovation and Application Center for High-Performance Adhesive Films.Oulu New Materials, a national specialized and sophisticated little giant enterprise, operates 13 independently developed coating production lines running at a speed of 120 meters per minute. The firm posted an output value exceeding 300 million yuan ($44.25 million) within just over half a year of the first phase going into operation.Huidong has invested 66 million yuan to revitalize over 1,000 mu (66.67 ha) of idle land in industrial parks. A total of 400 mu has now completed land bidding, auction and listing procedures, generating fiscal revenue of 210 million yuan. The county has signed seven settled projects with an estimated total investment of 1.7 billion yuan. By the end of 2025, China Energy Engineering Corporation set up a branch in the joint industrial park of Huidong, and the zero-carbon intelligent manufacturing base for prefabricated buildings has already entered the implementation phase.Haifeng has drawn up high-standard plans for the Shenshan Low-Altitude Economy Joint Industrial Park with an estimated total investment of 2.98 billion yuan. The park is positioning itself as the Fifth Low-Altitude Economy Park under Longgang's industrial layout.The Group of Longgang Foreign Language School has formed a partnership with Wenshan School of Haifeng. It supports the Wenshan School in planning a full-open AI science and innovation corridor and rolling out science courses, science and innovation clubs and popular science competitions. Moreover, Shenzhen's paired assistance channel has invested 11.22 million yuan to build six ultra-fast charging stations in Haifeng, two of which have been put into operation.Longgang is promoting the establishment of a medical consortium between South China Hospital and Haifeng Hospital based on traditional Chinese medicine and has allocated 6 million yuan to upgrade outdated medical equipment.

    Henggang builds AI eyewear hub with 125 million annual output

    07-09,2026

    The Vision Launch·Smart Longgang event marked theopening of the Henggang AI & Eyewear Center on July 8 in Henggang subdistrict, Longgang district, Shenzhen. The center's launch signals a new chapter of integrated growth for Henggang's eyewear industry, driven by deep integration of AI, eyewear, technology, consumption, industry, and cultural tourism.The Henggang AI & Eyewear Center opens in Henggang subdistrict, Longgang district, Shenzhen.The center brings together manufacturers and partners under one roof, integrating R&D, product testing, brand promotion, immersive product experiences, commercialization and supply chain services. This enables close collaboration across the entire industry chain, from upstream suppliers to downstream businesses. Spanning six floors, the complex forms a full industrial ecosystem covering six core segments: visitor engagement, professional services, innovative R&D, tech clustering, supply chain livestreaming and cultural IP development.The venue and the Shenzhen AR Association jointly build Vision Hub, an AI and AR visual experience center, for the opening ceremony.Vision Hub serves four key roles: an exhibition venue for cutting-edge technologies, an overseas gateway for Chinese eyewear brands, a global testing ground for smart eyewear products, and a hub integrating smart and traditional eyewear. It bridges the gap between AI/AR eyewear prototypes and mass consumer applications. Sixteen premium brands have already moved in, focusing on consumer audio AI, cinematic AR, spatial computing and lightweight smart eyewear. Down the line, the hub will introduce industrial, medical and cultural tourism AR solutions to build a full-spectrum ecosystem for civilian, commercial and industrial use, emerging as a world-leading platform for AI and AR eyewear exhibition, trade and experiences.A direct bus route linking Liantang Port to Henggang Fashion Eyewear Blocks was also launched the same day. The shuttle provides point-to-point access to five major eyewear malls including Jiabao, Wangchao, Xinma and Henggang Eyewear Cities, as well as the AI Experience Center. It creates an all-in-one itinerary combining eyewear fitting, cultural tours and shopping, holding strong appeal for consumers from Hong Kong.Moving forward, Henggang aims to build a benchmark for tech, culture and tourism integration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It will strive to develop world-class hubs for eyewear trade, brand incubation and AI eyewear ecosystems, evolving into a global center of high-end eyewear brands.