Henan Digital Human Timeline

Notes:

The Chinese province of Henan has become a notable center for digital human development, particularly in cultural preservation, education, and AI innovation. Initiatives include the launch of AI-driven “digital humans” to promote and safeguard intangible cultural heritage such as Henan opera, with characters like a Mulan-based avatar. Institutions like Henan University of Finance and Economics and Henan Agricultural University are integrating digital humans into pedagogy, while projects like the “Laozi Digital Human” at Hangu Pass illustrate the province’s use of 3D modeling and large language models for interactive cultural education. Henan TV introduced a digital host named Tang Xiaomei, and local platforms are using AI avatars for personalized cultural tours. The province is also advancing its AI infrastructure, hosting conferences on AI and digital human education, and promoting public and commercial partnerships to embed digital humans in broadcasting, training, and government services. These efforts position Henan as a leader in applying digital humans for cultural, educational, and industrial transformation.

The provincial capital Zhengzhou has emerged as a major hub for AI digital human development, with applications spanning governance, education, media, commerce, and urban services. Numerous institutions, including Zhengzhou Sias University, Zhengzhou Tourism College, and various vocational and technical colleges, are actively integrating digital human systems into teaching and competitions, such as the “Education Digital Human Competition.” The municipal government and companies are deploying AI-driven virtual anchors, digital civil servants like “Xiao Yuan Bangban,” and digital presenters for ecological funeral ceremonies. The local economy is also embracing digital humans in livestreaming e-commerce, with platforms using AI avatars for content creation, driving billions in sales. DeepSeek’s large language model has been implemented in local government services, and several companies are offering digital human video production, cloning, and livestream services. However, authorities have warned of scams involving fake digital human service providers. Events like the World Digital Industry Expo and various AI innovation forums further reinforce Zhengzhou’s role as a growing center for AI digital human innovation in central China.