Shanghai Digital Human Timeline

Notes:

Shanghai has rapidly become a national hub for the development and deployment of digital humans, integrating them into multiple sectors including government services, media, education, retail, banking, healthcare, museums, and live e-commerce. Leading Shanghai-based companies such as Xmov, DGene, SenseTime, and Silicon-based Intelligence are advancing 3D virtual human platforms, AI-generated avatars, and immersive digital interaction technologies. The city has introduced digital humans in public service roles like “Shin Xiaoan” for national security education and “Koura” for smart government services. Institutions like Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University, and the Shanghai Open University are actively exploring digital humans for teaching, broadcasting, and personalized education. Shanghai also hosts major AI conferences and initiatives, such as the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the city’s Metaverse Technology Development Plan (2023–2025), which explicitly supports digital human R&D. Multiple virtual human lawsuits have also originated in Shanghai, highlighting legal and copyright challenges.

See also:

China Meta Guide

[Aug 2025]

2025

  • May 31, 2025: Fudan University’s Zhongshan Hospital – Professor Ge Junbo unveiled his AI-powered digital avatar with Shandong-accented speech that conducted a simulated medical consultation at the 19th Oriental Congress of Cardiology.
  • May 20, 2025: SenseTime – Unveiled China’s first digital human representation of philosopher Laozi at Hangu Pass Historical and Cultural Tourism Zone in Sanmenxia, Henan.
  • April 15, 2025: Morpheus Technology – Launched “Shen Xiao’an,” Shanghai’s first national security AI presenter to promote public awareness for National Security Education Day.
  • March 11, 2025: Shanghai Gaotoo Information Tech and Yashi Education Tech – Created an AI-powered English teaching course featuring Hong Kong-American actor Daniel Wu’s digital clone, priced at 398 yuan.
  • March 1, 2025: Aier Eye Hospital – Digital human Eyecho integrated the DeepSeek R1 inference model to enhance AI-driven ophthalmic services across pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative stages.
  • February 21, 2025: Shanghai Pudong – Digital humans were deployed for sign language interpretation and medical services, expanding applications beyond conventional e-commerce and broadcasting.
  • February 12, 2025: Shanghai’s Putuo District Education Bureau – Organized a winter break program for over 130 children to explore AI-powered digital twins using professional digital human generation toolkits.
  • January 20, 2025: Lingjing Yuxu Intelligent Technology – Applied for a patent for a multimodal virtual human interaction system that combines voice, video, and touch inputs for better user understanding.
  • January 5, 2025: ByteDance – Posted a job opening for an AI Digital Human Algorithm Operation role for CapCut in Shanghai, requiring 3-5 years of experience in optimizing digital human models.
  • January 4, 2025: Shanghai’s Jing’an District Market Supervision Bureau – Recognized for its AI digital legal service project featuring “Jinnang Ambassador” and “Xin Xiaoli” tools in the third legal publicity competition.

2024

  • December 29, 2024: Taizhou MCN Live Streaming Base – Li Zi demonstrated a digital human system capable of creating AI livestreams within minutes, with the base generating over 5 million yuan in revenue from 100 AI-powered livestreaming rooms within three months.
  • December 26, 2024: GitHub Repository Update – An automatically updated research paper repository for talking-face technologies was maintained, featuring article analysis powered by large language models like Claude AI and Moonshot AI.
  • December 21, 2024: China Media Group’s Shanghai National Laboratory – Unveiled a hyper-realistic digital human of Zhou Xinfang for the 130th anniversary commemoration, integrating 8K video and 3D immersive sound using the “CCTV Listening Media Large Model” platform.
  • December 14, 2024: Blue Ocean Tonxiang Group – Integrated AIGC technology into its vLive virtual livestreaming system, introducing three AI-powered modules including automated script generation and 2.5D AI digital hosts.
  • December 11, 2024: New Yi Technology – Presented on video vertical large models in intelligent digital humans at the 2024 China Generative AI Conference, focusing on their proprietary New Yi Video Large Model.
  • December 10, 2024: Tianxiu – Announced no collaboration with the upcoming Asian Games, highlighting the underutilization of digital humans in sports events.
  • December 7, 2024: United Imaging Intelligence – Unveiled the uAI Avatar at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 conference, an AI-powered digital human for healthcare built on the uAI Intelligent Model.
  • December 6, 2024: Lenovo and Shanghai Natural History Museum – Digitally resurrected three specimens (baiji dolphin, fin whale, and mammoth) using spatial computing and AIGC technology for an interactive exhibition.
  • December 4, 2024: Beijing Ukids Culture & Technology Co., Ltd. – Filed a patent application for “Method for Intelligent Synchronization of Animated Characters with Users Based on Voiceprint.”
  • November 23, 2024: Hongmei Subdistrict and Xmov – Introduced “Hongling,” a digital instructor for lifelong education capable of answering questions in Chinese and English and processing documents.
  • November 20, 2024: Kingnet Network – Created “EVE,” a 3D AI companion that integrates memory, personality, and identity through collaboration with Natural Selection.
  • November 8, 2024: Academic Research Publication – Published a study on strategic quality-signaling through AI streamers in the Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research.
  • November 2, 2024: Shanghai Qingpu District and Kunzhiyi – Launched an AI-powered “digital police officer” named “Officer Liu” to enhance anti-fraud awareness through viral short videos.
  • October 31, 2024: Vector Equation – Secured nearly ten million yuan in angel funding for their AI digital human platform “Pomegranate Digital Human.”
  • October 24, 2024: Xmov – Participated in the 1st Low-Altitude Tourism Workshop and 6th Smart Tourism Conference, showcasing 3D digital human solutions for the tourism industry.
  • October 16, 2024: Soul App – Showcased multimodal AI-powered 3D virtual avatars at the 2024 GITEX GLOBAL, enabling immersive interactions through personalized digital personas.
  • October 14, 2024: Shanghai Huiyuan Intelligent Technology – Led initiatives in digital content and digital human technologies through its platform “Shenma Workshop.”
  • October 13, 2024: ZhiJing Future – Won the 2024 Outstanding Enterprise Award and showcased leadership in AI virtual humans at the Metaverse Entrepreneurs Forum.
  • October 6, 2024: Flash Shadow AI – Showcased advanced digital human and AI live-streaming technology at the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Conference as the only official partner for AI digital human technology.
  • October 1, 2024: China Internet Association – Organized the 2024 China Digital Human Conference in Beijing, where the “4th Digital Human Showcase” was officially launched online.
  • September 30, 2024: SanSi and Huawei – Collaborated to develop new applications for digital humans in public services and tourism, introducing a digital guide at Huawei Connect 2024.
  • September 29, 2024: Multiple Companies – Various service digital humans were showcased including Xiao Yi (China Mobile), Digital Customs Officer Xiaozhi (Shanghai Customs), and Zhejiang 12345 Citizen Hotline Digital Human.
  • September 28, 2024: Tencent and Shanghai Jiao Tong University – Developed MimicMotion, an AI-powered human motion video generation tool gaining popularity among digital content creators.
  • September 24, 2024: Multiple Museums – AI digital humans appeared in various Chinese museums, including examples like “Jinghui” at Capital Museum and “AI Du Fu” at Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum.
  • September 22, 2024: Huawei Connect 2024 – Digital humans played central roles as hosts, guides, and customer service representatives, with “Yunsheng” providing bilingual presentations.
  • September 21, 2024: Giant Network – Introduced high-precision interactive digital humans at the 2024 Yunqi Conference, custom-built for specific IP with lifelike appearance and responsive interaction.
  • September 11, 2024: Shanghai Fushouyuan – Created an AI-driven digital version of “Shanghai Grandma” Shen Cuiying for her memorial event, allowing virtual interaction with attendees.
  • August 28, 2024: Ctrip – Leadership utilized AI-driven “digital twins” during Q2 financial report presentations to communicate with investors.
  • August 21, 2024: Changning District Justice Bureau, Beijing Zhide Law Firm, and iFLYTEK – Launched “Ningning AI Law,” Shanghai’s first specialized legal service digital human with multilingual capabilities.
  • August 20, 2024: Shanghai Securities and Tonghua Shun – Launched a digital human employee as a virtual anchor providing real-time financial news and analysis to investors.
  • August 12, 2024: Xinguodu (Shanghai Shier District subsidiary) – Launched general-purpose AI agents known as “digital employees” for various industry applications including customer service and live streaming.
  • August 10, 2024: Shanghai Kunzhiyi Artificial Intelligence Technology – Developed AI-powered digital human technology under the brand “Taoqidingdang” for live streaming and e-commerce applications.
  • July 30, 2024: Squirrel AI Learning (Shanghai Yixue Education Technology) – Leveraged proprietary AI algorithms to provide personalized K-12 education and explored digital humans as virtual tutors.
  • July 29, 2024: Zhao Yun (ALS Patient) – Created a digital avatar to continue accompanying his family after his passing, sharing life advice and experiences through digital means.
  • July 24, 2024: Shanghai Bantu Technology – Founded by former miHoYo AI head Xing Jun, focusing on 3D virtual humans after his departure from miHoYo’s Anti-Entropy team.
  • July 19, 2024: Shanghai Museum and Echo – Introduced China’s first museum digital human AI guide at the “Pinnacle of the Pyramids: Ancient Egyptian Civilization Exhibition.”
  • July 15, 2024: BilibiliWorld 2024 – Showcased the growing influence of virtual idols at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center with 270,000 attendees.
  • July 7, 2024: Xianghang Technology – Showcased “medium-free holographic digital human” at the 2024 World AI Conference, allowing direct air interaction without wearable devices.
  • July 4, 2024: Shanghai University Teacher – Zhuang Yuting created a digital avatar offering 24/7 assistance to students struggling with thesis writing and organized an “Atypical PhD Growth Journey” exhibition.
  • June 30, 2024: Multiple Companies – Digital Xusheng developed virtual bartender “Xiaoyu” showcasing cyberpunk aesthetics, while Songjiang District addressed IP protection for virtual characters in film.
  • June 26, 2024: China Global Television Network, Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Social Sciences Academic Press – Released the “Blue Book on Global Communication Ecology” suggesting digital humans are in early development stages.
  • June 24, 2024: Zhao Yue (Pipi) – Former ByteDance engineer created AI virtual human applications “Firework” and “Li Luoyun” as WeChat-based AI assistants.
  • June 20, 2024: Digital Holographic Technology – Emerged as glasses-free 3D technology for applications including Shanghai Public Security, commercial marketing, and education sectors.
  • June 16, 2024: Multiple Events – AI-generated avatars of Chinese cultural characters appeared at Shanghai International Film Festival, while Shenyin & Wanguo Securities launched a 3D digital employee with Xmov, and Jiefang Daily featured chief reporter Guo Quanzhen as a digital human narrator.
  • June 14, 2024: Shanghai Pudong New Area – Introduced digital government service agent “Xiao Pu” with over ten digital agents featuring facial expressions and human imagery.
  • May 30, 2024: Tencent Music Entertainment (Lyra Lab) – Developed MusePose, a pose-driven framework for virtual human video generation from images using diffusion-based technology.
  • May 25, 2024: 37 Interactive Entertainment – Highlighted integration of traditional Chinese culture with gaming at the 2024 Cultural Powerhouse Summit Forum.
  • May 17, 2024: MeiONE (Li Jiaqi’s company) – Integrated digital humans into live streaming strategy for the 618 shopping festival to provide more time slots and detailed services.
  • May 12, 2024: KreadoAI (Yidian Tianxia) – Launched an AI-powered digital assistant for intelligent shopping guidance, enabling product live streaming and real-time Q&A.
  • May 7, 2024: Steam Game Release – “Beauties, Too Many to Handle” integrated advanced AI technology to create AI-driven characters with distinct personalities for romantic simulation gaming.
  • April 17, 2024: Deemos Tech – Introduced HyperHuman platform featuring ChatAvatar and Rodin Gen-1 tools for creating hyper-realistic 3D facial assets and avatars from textual prompts.
  • April 14, 2024: Frontop Digital Creative Technology – Developed digital human “Xiao Yun” serving as virtual volunteer and digital anchor for National Games in Guangzhou.
  • April 11, 2024: SenseTime, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Technology Association, Zero One Think Tank, and Augmented Reality Core Technology Industry Alliance – Jointly released the “AI 2.0 Digital Human Platform Enabled by Large Models” white paper.
  • April 1, 2024: Chongqing Memorial Services – Created digital representations of deceased individuals, including gastroenterologist Diao Panya, marking new approaches to memorialization.
  • March 30, 2024: National Radio and Television Administration of China – Officially initiated development of national standard for digital human identity specifications at the 11th China Online Audiovisual Conference.
  • March 27, 2024: Shanghai Cultural Media Company – Citizens reported issues with an “AI Intelligent System” franchise project promising “24-hour digital person live broadcast” that failed to deliver expected results.
  • March 19, 2024: Suiqu Technology – Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone-based company specialized in virtual human technology and 3D virtual human AI live broadcast systems for real-time interaction.
  • March 7, 2024: The9 Limited (NCTY) and Shenma Corporation – Announced legally binding investment agreement for NCTY to purchase 51% of Shenma’s shares, marking NCTY’s entry into digital human industry.
  • March 5, 2024: SenseTime – Virtually “revived” late co-founder Tang Xiaoou through a digital avatar using advanced generative AI technology, delivering speeches at annual company events.
  • March 2, 2024: Musician Bao Xiaobo – Created a “digital daughter” using AI software capable of real-time conversation and singing, representing technological advancement in digital relatives.
  • February 28, 2024: Deemos Technology – Developed ChatAvatar Import Tool for Unity, integrating with Unity 2021.3 for creating hyper-realistic 3D facial assets with PBR textures.
  • February 5, 2024: Phoenix Metropolis Media and iFLYTEK – Launched innovative outdoor advertising campaign featuring 3D, glasses-free advertisement of virtual AI character “Einstein” in commercial districts.
  • February 4, 2024: Shanghai Jiao Tong University Research – Published study analyzing mourning responses to virtual and human uploaders, emphasizing embodiment’s role in online mourning practices.
  • January 3, 2024: Shanghai MoFa Company Legal Case – Involved in China’s first legal case regarding virtual digital human rights infringement over unauthorized use of digital human “Ada.”
  • January 2, 2024: Wu Jie (Tongji University Press) – Published “The Origin of Digital Humans 1964-2001,” exploring the evolution of digital humans and computer graphics from 1964 to 2001.

2023

  • December 29, 2023: Bank of Shanghai and SenseTime – Bank of Shanghai launched AI digital employees ‘Hai Xiaozhi’ and ‘Hai Xiaohui’ developed in collaboration with SenseTime Technology for enhanced customer service.
  • December 23, 2023: Fu Shou Yuan International Group – Fu Shou Yuan International Group pioneered the use of artificial intelligence in funeral services by creating “digital humans” to comfort the bereaved during cultural observances like the Winter Solstice.
  • December 15, 2023: SenseTime – Tian Feng, Dean of the SenseTime Intelligent Industry Research Institute, provided insights on AI and digital humans in artificial intelligence applications.
  • December 11, 2023: SenseTime – Li Xingye, Vice President of SenseTime’s Digital Entertainment Business Division, delivered a keynote address on AI integration in consumer industries at the 2023 Unicorn Summit.
  • December 9, 2023: Shanghai Jiao Tong University – Shanghai Jiao Tong University showcased a virtual digital news anchor on their official video channel, marking the university’s foray into employing virtual hosts for news broadcasting.
  • November 23, 2023: Shanghai Municipal Government – Shanghai’s first sign language digital broadcaster was introduced in various locations as part of barrier-free accessibility implementation following the “Shanghai Municipal Barrier-Free Environment Construction Regulations.”
  • November 20, 2023: Xmov/Mofa Technology – Xmov (also known as Mofa Technology) continued advancing digital human innovation in AI since its 2018 inception, developing expressive and interactive digital humans.
  • November 17, 2023: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism – The Shanghai Municipal Administration introduced a digital human assistant named “??” at the Shanghai Digital Culture and Tourism Center to enhance service efficiency.
  • November 12, 2023: China Telecom – China Telecom showcased advancements and applications of digital human technology, marking significant strides in artificial intelligence and virtual reality integration.
  • October 29, 2023: Call Annie Application – In Shanghai, third grader Vincent used an AI-generated avatar named Annie for weekly English classes via FaceTime through the ChatGPT-powered Call Annie application.
  • October 23, 2023: Tencent Holdings Limited – Tencent Holdings Limited in China sought a Virtual Human Senior Content Planner for overseeing content planning for virtual humans, notably Xingtong.
  • October 18, 2023: Yuanwang Technology – Yuanwang Technology showcased their digital marketing achievements including their flagship virtual human “Kong Xiang” and innovative twin anchor technology.
  • September 20, 2023: Huawei – The Huawei Full Connectivity Conference in Shanghai focused on “Accelerating Industry Intelligence” and discussed the rise of digital intelligence in industries.
  • September 16, 2023: Xmov – Chinese AI startup Xmov showcased a highly realistic 3D AI personality named Jing at a launch event in Shanghai, gaining significant attention.
  • August 25, 2023: Financial Services Innovation Summit – The 4th Financial Services Innovation and Customer Experience Summit was held in Shanghai, focusing on digital humans in the financial sector and their capabilities.
  • August 17, 2023: Xmov AI – Xmov AI held a launch event in Shanghai for its ultra-realistic 3D virtual human AIGC consumer products, introducing “Mofa Speaks,” “Mofa Shines,” and “Mofa Magic.”
  • August 10, 2023: Changning Library – The Changning Library in downtown Shanghai introduced a digital human avatar named Xin Ye equipped with advanced algorithms for visitor interaction and book recommendations.
  • August 4, 2023: Meta Holdings and Siba Culture – Meta Holdings Group and Shanghai Siba Culture Media Group jointly developed “Heartful Dance River,” China’s first multimodal AI model focused on virtual digital human music, dance, and social interactions.
  • July 30, 2023: 360 Brain – 360 Brain’s President showcased the evolution of AIGC and digital humans at the 2023 ChinaJoy Conference held at Kerry Hotel in Pudong, Shanghai.
  • July 29, 2023: China Internet Conference – The China Digital Human Navigation Plan officially launched at the 22nd China Internet Conference, welcoming the first batch of 30 partners.
  • July 28, 2023: Virtual Artist Chuncao – Virtual artist Chuncao sang her debut song “Breaking Through” at the launch of “The Legend of Chuncao: The Crisis of Muhe” in Shanghai.
  • July 24, 2023: Shanghai AI Lab and Central Broadcasting – Shanghai AI Lab and Central Broadcasting Television General Station jointly developed the “CCTV Audiovisual Media Big Model” with unique applications for digital human technology.
  • July 16, 2023: YiKe Digital Anchor – The AI-driven digital anchor “YiKe” officially started work, broadcasting pre-market information for U.S. stocks and corporate market information on First Financial TV programs.
  • July 15, 2023: Easy Point Worldwide – Easy Point Worldwide launched KreadoAI, the first AIGC digital marketing creation platform, relying on AI digital humans, AI models, AI tools, and AI creative assets.
  • July 13, 2023: Mofa Tech – Mofa Tech showcased its range of virtual human products at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2023 at Shanghai Expo Exhibition Hall’s main venue.
  • July 11, 2023: Tencent – Tencent’s booth at the 2023 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai drew attention with digital human replication technology, allowing visitors to experience digital human customization.
  • July 8, 2023: World Artificial Intelligence Conference – The World Artificial Intelligence Conference concluded in Shanghai, where multiple financial institutions presented digital human products and digital employees.
  • July 8, 2023: Deemos Technology – Chinese startup Deemos aimed to revolutionize digital human creation with ultra-high resolution facial scanning and targeted Japan market expansion.
  • April 29, 2023: CeMeta – The AWE exhibition at Shanghai New International Expo Center showcased CeMeta’s AI digital humans and metaverse innovations in a mysterious black box space.
  • April 22, 2023: Shiyou Technology – Shiyou Technology officially launched their AI digital human product “Shiyou BOTA” at a press conference in Beijing (related to Shanghai operations).
  • April 19, 2023: Digital Twins Medicine – Digital twins technology was being used for medical applications, with Shanghai mentioned as an example city alongside Tesla cars for digital twin implementations.
  • April 18, 2023: OnMind and Unity – OnMind showcased virtual humans including SUA, Y, and T.K. at the 2023 Shanghai International Motor Show in collaboration with Unity.
  • April 8, 2023: Bank of Ningbo and SenseTime – SenseTime’s AI digital human helped Bank of Ningbo’s financial outlets in Shanghai and other cities open a “new window” for improved branch services.
  • April 4, 2023: Tencent – Tencent officially released the AI intelligent creation assistant “Tencent Zhiying” with AIGC video creation capabilities for digital human applications.
  • March 4, 2023: Dao Insights/Qumin Group – Dao Insights, owned by London and Shanghai-based creative agency Qumin Group, positioned digitized humans as core to China’s metaverse ambitions.

2022

  • December 16, 2022: SenseTime AIGC – “Xiao Ning”, digital employee No. 001 of the Bank of Ningbo Shanghai Branch, hosted an online live broadcast event combining virtual reality to recommend financial products.
  • September 20, 2022: VAPOLLO JAPAN Co Ltd. – Shanghai’s prime AR theater “VAPOLLO THEATER” formed a partnership with Kodansha’s Mixalive TOKYO and opened a permanent AR theater in Tokyo for virtual character performances.
  • September 17, 2022: Xuhui District – Opened the 2022 National Science Day “New Xuhui New Science” Cloud Carnival with virtual human incarnations serving as popular science anchors.
  • September 1, 2022: iFLYTEK – Appeared at the 2022 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai with AI virtual human technology.
  • June 3, 2022: Virtual idol “Jiuli” – Dragon Boat Festival blessing video was played repeatedly on the big screen of Shanghai’s Bund landmark.
  • March 8, 2022: Force Digital – Continued expansion of 3D digital human business including projects for Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Baidu, Xinhua News Agency, and SenseTime.
  • January 27, 2022: Shanghai Henian Technology – Was incorporated into Chaodian Culture as a wholly owned subsidiary to handle Bilibili‘s virtual idol business after Shanghai Huandian’s acquisition of Chaodian Culture.