Notes:
Hunan province in China is actively developing and deploying AI digital humans across various sectors, including media, education, healthcare, tourism, cultural preservation, and government services. Key projects include the digital hosts like “Xiao Yang” created by Hunan TV with Huawei Cloud MetaStudio, the 3D digital reconstruction of Lady Xin Zhui by the Hunan Museum, and the AI-powered cultural exhibits at the Digital Hunan Pavilion. Institutions like Hunan University and Hunan University of Science and Technology are involved in research and implementation, while companies such as Shuangling, Mango Vision, 4Utech, and Duoduole are producing digital human platforms and commercial applications. The local government promotes these initiatives under the “Digital Hunan” strategy, integrating them into public services (e.g., “Xiang Xiaoyi” for health insurance), education (AI teachers), and cultural communication (e.g., virtual tour guides and digital twins of historical figures).
The provincial capital Changsha has emerged as a major hub for digital human development in China, with a diverse ecosystem of companies, government initiatives, and cultural institutions involved in AI-generated virtual humans. Notable players include Changsha Mingshun Network Technology, Changsha Qianbo Information Technology, Sweet Cloud Intelligent Technology, and WhaleTech, all developing applications such as AI livestream hosts, sign language avatars, and ultra-realistic historical reconstructions like the 3D digital figure of Lady Xin Zhui. The city’s universities and research centers, especially the National Supercomputing Changsha Center, have integrated advanced computing into cultural tech innovation, exemplified by digital figures such as philosopher Zhu Xi. Public services, media, and finance sectors—such as Changsha Bank and local broadcasters—have implemented digital humans in customer interaction, news delivery, and branding.
See also:
[Aug 2025]
2025
- May 24, 2025: Guangdong Southern Telecom Planning and Design Institute applied for a patent for a 5G system using big data and AI to create emotionally realistic digital humans with natural facial expressions and adaptive group interactions.
- February 19, 2025: Hunan Happy Sunshine Interactive Entertainment Media Co., Ltd. was granted a patent for “real-time generation method and device for digital characters” with application filed in November 2024.
- January 29, 2025: Wondershare Technology (Hunan) Co., Ltd. filed a patent for AI-powered lip-sync technology to improve the realism of virtual broadcasts through mouth movement adjustments.
2024
- October 13, 2024: Henan Province advanced AI digital humans across multiple sectors including live streaming, cultural heritage, education, and public services.
- September 22, 2024: Hunan Broadcasting Media Group digitally recreated historical figure Wang Fuzhi using AR and AI for the Dongzhou Island cultural tourism project.
- September 21, 2024: Digital human version of philosopher Zhu Xi debuted at Changsha Lantianxin Digital Intelligence Huxiang Museum explaining “seeking truth from facts.”
- September 17, 2024: Leyard Group expanded digital human technology through Virtual DotPoint subsidiary, creating “Xiao Yang” for Hunan TV and corporate event avatars.
- September 8, 2024: Official AI digital human “Xiao Lu” was unveiled at the 2024 Internet Yuelu Summit, designed by Shenman Culture and produced by Wondershare Technology.
- July 17, 2024: Study found affective pedagogical agents in online learning environments improved student motivation and understanding, with virtual characters outperforming human video instructors.
- July 16, 2024: Digital human Zhu Xi was set to interact with visitors at Changsha Lantianxin Digital Intelligence Huxiang Pavilion, developed by Hunan University team.
- June 24, 2024: Changsha Broadcasting and Television Station developed AI-powered virtual sign language anchors with detailed hand movements and realistic facial expressions.
- May 25, 2024: Dynamic 3D Digital Figure of Madame Xin Zhifu was unveiled at Wenchangge Metro Station using AI and craniofacial reconstruction expertise.
- May 18, 2024: Hunan Museum revealed 3D digital human image of Lady Xin Zhui showcasing her appearance at 35 years old based on 1970s X-ray scans.
- May 18, 2024: Digital humans “Ai Wenwen” and “Tong Gujin” were featured at the 20th Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen enhancing cultural heritage presentation.
- May 13, 2024: Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County introduced the first Dong ethnic digital human at a Beijing cultural tourism promotion event.
- May 11, 2024: Li Wei from Malanshan Video Advanced Technology Research Institute discussed creating interactive digital humans that can sing and dance through 3D modeling.
- April 23, 2024: China’s Hunan Broadcasting System introduced “Ai Mang,” the country’s first AI director on variety show “The Three of Us.”
- March 9, 2024: Hunan Museum partnered with Malanshan Video and Cultural Creative Industrial Park to launch “Digital Han Life” IP brand using digital technology for cultural relics.
2023
- December 28, 2023: Huawei Cloud‘s MetaStudio technology enhanced Hunan TV variety shows with virtual humans bringing new life to programming.
- October 31, 2023: Digital human “Xiao Mo” from Hua Sheng acted as a story recommender during the “Postal Cup” 2023 Hunan Daily Reading Aloud themed event in Changsha.
- November 6, 2023: Hunan Design’s second Technology Conference utilized AI technology and digital human hosts, including a digital avatar of the company’s chairman delivering speeches.
- January 1, 2023: Hunan Cultural Tourism’s digital virtual human promoted “five business cards” for the first time at the 18th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Expo.
2022
- November 18, 2022: Hunan Radio and Television launched the national style virtual person “Orange Shuangshuang” on Kuaishou APP as the first member of a virtual family after the success of “Xiao Yang.”
- May 25, 2022: Changsha Qianbo Information Technology Co., Ltd. in Malanshan Park developed the third-generation sign language digital human “Qianyan” for special education and public services.
- June 1, 2022: Leyard (300296) confirmed their virtual human business included creating “Xiao Yang,” the virtual host for Hunan Satellite TV’s “Hello Saturday” program.
- April 2022: Hunan Satellite TV introduced virtual digital human “Xiao Yang” who co-hosted with He Jiong, marking the arrival of the metaverse digital people era.