Xi'an has pursued a digital economy strategy in recent years, utilizing new opportunities to build a competitive edge. The city is developing a comprehensive framework that emphasizes city-wide coordination, open scenarios, application-driven innovation, enterprise incubation, and industry growth.

The 5th Western Digital Economy Expo opened in Xi'an on Dec 5, attracting over 700 attendees, including delegations from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as industry associations and entrepreneurs. Through conferences, exhibitions, and competitions, the event highlighted the latest digital developments and facilitated international cooperation.

The 5th Western Digital Economy Expo opens in Xi'an on Dec 5. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

At the 2024 AI Development Conference, Xi'an's Yanta AI Innovation Center announced an upgraded computing power of 500 petaflops, enhancing the region's AI capabilities. With partnerships spanning 260 enterprises and institutions, its usage rate has reached 98 percent, with demand projected to exceed 700 petaflops.

Xi'an's achievements in digital transformation include being named a pilot city for the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises and hosting projects on the national industrial internet demonstration list.

As of October, Xi'an had more than 400 big data enterprises, 300 AI enterprises, and 2,600 various software and information service enterprises. It also has the country's 13th supercomputing center.

A smart factory in Xi'an. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Digital infrastructure development continues, with over 1,000 new 5G base stations and expanded e-governance networks. The city's smart life innovations —from internet hospitals to 15-minute community hubs — align with its "human-centered" technology goal.

A digital economy worth 575 billion yuan ($78.98 billion) in 2023 cemented Xi'an's role as a digital hub. Initiatives like the "Western Digital Port" and the integration of 42 key e-governance services further boost the city's role as a digital hub and exemplify how digital transformation can redefine urban progress and international cooperation.