Longgang rolls out new projects to fuel AI development

06 01, 2026

Longgang district successfully hosted the second Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Development Conference on May 30. The event unveiled three major infrastructure projects, the AI Hub Global Intelligent Hardware Valley, ten co-creation platforms, seven Long Dazi AI products, and upgraded industrial policies. A snapshot of the second AI and Robotics Development Conference held in Longgang.Endowed with a solid advanced manufacturing foundation and the country's top cross-border e-commerce cluster, Longgang has built a pioneering municipal system integrating power, transport, aerial mobility and computing capabilities. It now boasts more than 800 AI enterprises. The conference clarified two core development directions: AI-native development and AI co-creation. The AI Hub provides full-cycle services from conceptual design to mass production. Meanwhile, ten co-creation initiatives have been rolled out, covering the whole industrial chain from R&D to commercialization.Guests gather at the conference to witness new progress in local AI and robotics industry.Annual industrial support funds has been raised to 160 million yuan ($23.5 million), targeting an industrial output of over 100 billion yuan by 2027. Among the star products, Long Xiaoer can detect urban management violations and dispatch robotic dogs to issue verbal warnings, while Long Feishou delivers drone services with full district coverage within five minutes.These AI products act as handy daily companions for residents, covering healthcare, urban governance, low-altitude economy and industrial sectors. The launch of the third Waka Awards has further refined Longgang’s full-fledged AI ecosystem that spans from infrastructure to end-user applications.

High-tech fun at Longgang's robot experience hub

05 29, 2026

The world's first robot 6S store in Bantian, Longgang district, has become a new tech landmark in Shenzhen and drawn many overseas visitors lately.Guests had a great time exploring the diverse array of intelligent products. They posed for photos and danced alongside robot Fangfang, embracing the wonders of smart technology.Featuring an upgraded 6S operation mode, the store offers one-stop services for robots, ranging from sales and maintenance to personalized customization. It vividly showcases the district's achievements in the robotics industry.Overseas visitors applauded the creative concept and advanced technologies. They shared their experiences online, teaching international audiences about Longgang's booming intelligent manufacturing industry.

Agreements on key projects inked to boost AIGC growth in Longgang

05 27, 2026

The Longgang district of Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province has secured agreements on 13 key projects at the 22nd China International Cultural Industries Fair, which concluded in Shenzhen on May 25, as part of the district's efforts to transform itself into a hub for artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) industry.The Longgang district of Shenzhen, located in Guangdong province, hosts a business promotion event on May 23 during the 22nd China International Cultural Industries Fair.The agreements were signed at a business promotion event organized by Longgang on May 23, during the five day event that highlights the development of cultural industries. They cover areas such as the AIGC ecosystem, cultural innovation headquarters, brain-machine interfaces, sci-fi films, intangible cultural heritage technology, and marine cultural tourism.At the event venue.Among the projects is an AI sci-fi movie project by Hugo Award winner Hao Jingfang. This collaboration aims to explore new modes of content production that combine AI, ultra-high-definition, and sci-fi IPs.During the event, Longgang introduced 11 innovative, AI-driven cultural products that span a range of sectors. These include advanced AI animation and comic dramas, cutting-edge smart toys, applications of brain-machine interfaces in healthcare, collaborative initiatives in film production, and sophisticated educational robots.At this event, 13 agreements are signed to promote AIGC industry.Highlights include the full-domain AI film joint production public service platform, unveiled by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Ultra HD Digital Innovation Park to provide comprehensive services for film production.Li Zhiguang from the innovation park emphasized the park's role as a platform for implementing the district's "All in AI" strategy, highlighting facilities such as the 8K creation center and the XR/VP virtual studio, which lower technical barriers for creators. The park aims to promote the development of original content IP further, Li said.

GBA cross-border e-commerce hub debuts in Longgang

05 26, 2026

A one-stop cross-border e-commerce hub for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has opened in Longgang district. The inauguration ceremony and supply-demand matching session were held at Tian'an, a commercial complex, on May 20.As an AI-powered integrated platform for exhibition, trade and promotion, it connects resources across the GBA, empowering enterprises to expand their domestic and global presence and driving industrial coordination.The hub features panoramic showrooms and new product zones, hosting premium goods in beauty, 3C electronics, home appliances, pet supplies and outdoor gear. Guided by the philosophy of "Curated Quality, Global Reach", it delivers one-stop services to boost trade efficiency and lower operational costs.Tailored services serve both suppliers and buyers. Suppliers benefit from product displays, channel expansion, branding and order matching, while buyers gain access to new product updates, factory links, audits, logistics and order tracking. "The hub aligns supply and demand with full-cycle support," said a participant.Partnering with industry associations, leading platforms, universities and research bodies, it creates a robust industrial ecosystem. Regular training, incubation and mentorship help startups and traditional traders overcome cross-border barriers.A number of preliminary cooperation agreements were reached at the event. Moving forward, the hub will leverage the GBA's strengths in policy, logistics, finance and markets, pioneer AI-driven innovation, and facilitate Hong Kong and Macau brands' mainland penetration and Chinese products' global expansion. It aims to become a benchmark for GBA cross-border e-commerce innovation and help foster a high-quality trade ecosystem.

Longgang showcases AI-driven cultural innovations at cultural expo

05 25, 2026

The Longgang district of Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province highlighted its "All in AI" strategy at the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair, bringing more than 30 local cultural enterprises to the exhibition.The exhibition area of Longgang district of Shenzhen at the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair.The Longgang-based enterprises showcased the deep integration of culture and technology, with highlights including AI digital humans, MR experiences, AI short dramas, jade carving AI models, and original Chinese IPs, reflecting the district's advancements in digital cultural industry.Han Wanli, general manager of Shenzhen Chuangxin Weiyue Crafts, said that as a high-tech enterprises in Longgang, his company has engaged in the cultural creative industry for more than 20 years, boasting a 15,000-square-meter production base and 400 employees. In 2024, the company's IP-related revenue reached 160 million yuan ($23.5 million).At the exhibition area of Longgang district of Shenzhen at the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair, visitors admire the creative refrigerator magnets at the booth of Shenzhen Chuangxin Weiyue Crafts.The fair serves as a platform for global resource integration and collaboration. Han emphasized the role of creative design in bringing traditional culture into daily life, aiming to enhance cultural and industrial value through innovation.Longgang's IP section featured popular products like global IP figurines and trendy collectibles. The "Xingfu Craftsman" AI model for jade carving demonstrated AI's role in modernizing traditional crafts, showcasing Longgang's commitment to leading the AI-driven cultural industry in China.At the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair, visitors admire the cultural creative products at the exhibition area of Longgang district, Shenzhen.Utilizing the advantages of the Longgang Digital Creative Industry Corridor, a national cultural industry demonstration park, Longgang is continuously deepening the comprehensive and in-depth integration of AI technology with the cultural industry.The district is committed to building a leading AIGC (Artificial Intelligence Generated Content) industry hub in China, promoting the cultural industry's development towards digitalization, internationalization, and high quality.

Huawei launches HarmonyOS-powered campus network

05 20, 2026

The Longgang International Art Center in Shenzhen, the first fully integrated intelligent "Harmony Theater", powered by Huawei's Wi-Fi 7 and HarmonyOS technologies. Huawei launched its next-generation Xinghe AI campus network products featuring open-source HarmonyOS at its 2026 Xinghe AI Network Business Summit in Shenzhen's Longgang district on May 18, marking the debut of its HarmonyOS-integrated campus network portfolio for the AI era.The new solution combines Wi-Fi 7 with open-source HarmonyOS and AI capabilities, allowing for intelligent, secure campus networks across sectors including education, healthcare, retail and manufacturing. The company also unveiled the "Star Cloud Plan 2026" to accelerate smart campus adoption.A centerpiece of the summit was the Longgang International Art Center, which was revealed as the nation's first fully integrated intelligent "Harmony Theater." The venue integrates Wi-Fi 7 with integrated sensing, AI-powered operations and over 20 HarmonyOS services covering ticketing, navigation and visitor management.The system has reduced energy consumption by over 15 percent and improved operational efficiency by 30 percent through its intelligent operations platform."The combination of AI and HarmonyOS brings three fundamental changes: seamless connectivity across all devices, proactive services, and green operations with real-time carbon emission monitoring," said Wu Zhaohui, CTO of the center.Huawei showcases its new Xinghe AI campus network solutions at the 2026 Xinghe AI Network Business Summit in Shenzhen on May 18. Huawei executives noted that as AI moves from chat applications to practical tasks, the demand for higher bandwidth and lower latency in networks is accelerating, while the open-source HarmonyOS ecosystem, now supported as a national strategy, provides a unified digital foundation across devices and industries.

Wenbo Palace sub-venue opens at 22nd ICIF

05 19, 2026

Wenbo Palace, located in Longgang district, Shenzhen, the first sub-venue of the 22nd ICIF to open this year.The Wenbo Palace sub-venue of the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) opened on May 16 in Longgang district, becoming the district's first sub-venue to launch this year. The venue expects transaction volumes to surpass 100 million yuan and welcomed tens of thousands of visitors on opening day.After more than a year of restructuring, Wenbo Palace has transformed from a traditional antique trading platform into a one-stop international cultural and art commercial complex. Its new business mix comprises 30 percent dining, 26 percent cultural and creative art, and 24 percent retail, supplemented by family entertainment and office spaces, creating over 300 new jobs.Exhibits in "Guyuntang" hall.A highlight of this year's exhibition is the newly opened "Guyuntang" hall, a six-story, 3,600-square-meter space showcasing thousands of rare 17th to 19th century European antique furniture pieces.The first floor's 10 exhibition rooms are now open, with 16 more rooms scheduled to open on October 1. The venue also features an expanded art museum, children's playgrounds, brand stores and a newly upgraded lighting system designed to establish Wenbo Palace as a nighttime cultural destination in Shenzhen.Night view of the Wenbo Palace Park.

China makes tax refunds easier for foreign visitors

05 19, 2026

A tax free sign seen in Shanghai. YIN LIQIN/CHINA NEWS SERVICEChina unveiled on Monday a new package of measures to make tax refunds easier for foreign visitors, as Beijing seeks to stimulate inbound consumption and support the recovery of international travel.The policy, jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and five other government bodies, including the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration, outlines eight steps aimed at improving the country's departure tax refund system for overseas travelers.The measures upgrade an earlier policy released in 2025 and are designed to make the process "more convenient, faster and easier" for foreign shoppers, according to an official notice.A key component of the plan is expanding the number of tax refund stores. Authorities will encourage more eligible retailers to register as tax refund outlets and optimize their geographic distribution, particularly in areas with high concentrations of international visitors such as major shopping districts, tourist attractions, markets and ports of entry.Local governments are also encouraged to ensure that tax refund services are widely available in key commercial zones and travel destinations.Starting from July 1, China will introduce a random inspection system for smaller refund claims. Refund applications involving purchases of less than 10,000 yuan ($1,380) will be subject to spot checks rather than mandatory physical inspection of goods, while applications at or above that threshold will continue to require full verification.Officials say the change is intended to speed up processing for most travelers while maintaining regulatory oversight.The notice also calls for improvements to the country's "buy-and-refund-immediately" scheme, which allows foreign visitors to receive tax refunds directly at participating stores instead of waiting until departure. Under the new policy, authorities will promote cross-regional recognition of the service so that tourists who receive instant refunds at the point of purchase can complete final verification at a different departure port.In addition, the time limit for completing departure procedures under the instant refund program will be standardized nationwide at 28 days.China will also push forward paperless processing for tax refunds. From July 1, customs authorities and tax refund agencies will be allowed to verify refund application forms and sales invoices online, enabling the entire refund procedure to be handled digitally.Officials also plan to set up dedicated tax refund service areas at major trade exhibitions, including the China International Import Expo, the China Import and Export Fair and the China International Consumer Products Expo, to facilitate purchases and refund services for overseas buyers attending the events.Beyond procedural changes, the policy also aims to improve the overall consumption environment for international visitors. Cities designated as international consumption hubs or pilot zones for globalized retail environments are encouraged to expand tax refund services, improve payment convenience and build globally competitive shopping districts.Authorities also pledged to promote additional international passenger flights to make travel to China easier for overseas visitors.The policy comes as China steps up efforts to revive inbound tourism and cross-border consumption, while positioning retail spending by international travelers as a new source of growth for the country's consumer economy.Government agencies will also strengthen overseas promotion of China's tax refund policies as part of a broader campaign to build the "Shopping in China" brand and attract more international shoppers, the notice said.

Longgang gears up for ICIF with 9 sub-venues, 50 events

05 18, 2026

Shenzhen's Longgang district will operate nine sub-venues and host 50 supporting events during the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF), running from May 21 to 25, as the district seeks to showcase its growing AIGC industry hub.Longgang's main exhibition area will span 360 square meters in Hall 15, featuring 29 enterprises and projects. The display will focus on AI-powered IP development and AI comic series, aligning with the district's "All in AI" strategy. Exhibitors include Visual China Group, Shanghai Film Shenzhen, and Buming Culture, which has distributed over 5,000 AI short dramas and operates a platform connecting more than 200 brands with 3.5 million creators.The nine sub-venues each offer distinctive programming. Dafen Oil Painting Village will highlight digital upgrades in the oil painting sector. Sanlian Crystal and Jade Culture Village will showcase "Xingfujiang", China's first AI model for jade carving.Kanglicheng Cultural Industrial Park will host trade exhibitions and competitions centered on AI-driven cultural IP exports.Other sub-venues will feature computing power exhibitions, AI visual innovation showcases, and cross-border IP matchmaking events. Longgang will also hold a dedicated investment promotion session at the main venue on May 23.