Xinjiang Digital Human Timeline

Notes:

Xinjiang has seen a surge in the development and deployment of digital humans across various sectors. The region’s first ultra-realistic virtual digital human, “Kunlun Xi”, was launched in Ürümqi in July 2023 by Tingguangtong Digital Technology Co., marking a milestone in hyper-realistic avatar creation. In the public security sector, “Xiao Ke” became Xinjiang’s first digital police officer, unveiled in January 2025 by the Karamay Public Security Bureau and designed to interact via voice for public service. Digital humans are also being used in cultural tourism, as seen in collaborations like the AI+MR digital tour project in Ili, and in education, where AI-driven digital humans assist with reading and science instruction. Moreover, Xinjiang is integrating digital humans into government services, such as a new digital social security platform enabling zero-contact public services. Events like the Digital Xinjiang Innovation Development Forum in Karamay further highlight the region’s transition from a resource-based to a digitally driven economy.

In the capital Ürümqi, digital humans (AI-generated virtual figures) are being widely integrated into public services, enterprise operations, and education. They assist in government service centers by answering questions and guiding procedures, and are also used for job training, e-commerce live-streaming, customer service, exhibition narration, legal tech, and even AI-enhanced museum experiences. Notable examples include “Kunlun Xi,” Xinjiang’s first ultra-realistic digital human, and various AI hosts used in digital governance platforms and enterprise promotion. The city is also developing its own local digital human models, integrating them with large language models to power services such as public libraries, employment platforms, and smart banking.

On July 3, 2023, Xinjiang Ting Guangtong Digital Technology Co., Ltd. unveiled “Kunlunxi,” promoted as China’s first ultra-realistic virtual digital human from Xinjiang, after nearly two years of development. Modeled on the goddess of Kunlun from Chinese mythology, she is presented as a time-traveling embodiment of Kunlun culture and serves as a cultural ambassador. Built using AI, computer graphics, and cloud computing, Kunlunxi features lifelike appearance, expressions, voice, and interactive abilities. The project aims to blend technology and tradition to engage younger audiences, promote Xinjiang culture, and support cultural tourism. Future plans include using Kunlunxi in virtual live streaming, exhibitions, and e-commerce to develop her into a nationally recognized virtual idol brand.