Beijing is stepping up AI hub ambitions

context: Beijing is proposing to transform the fragmented and decentralised state of intelligent computing infrastructure by consolidating efforts into large-scale, high-performance AI computing clusters. This strategy aligns with the national 'Digital China' blueprint, aiming to create a more integrated, efficient and scalable AI computing ecosystem.

Beijing has issued an AI computing infrastructure plan (2024–27) aimed at boosting AI capacity, enhancing self-sufficiency, and fostering industry applications to become the PRC’s leading AI computing hub. This initiative aligns with national AI development strategies and the east data, west computing framework, integrating resources across Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei–Inner Mongolia.

  • by 2025
    • Beijing aims to establish 45 EFLOPS of AI computing power, enhance AI chip self-reliance and build a regional AI computing ecosystem
  • by 2027
    • the city targets 100 percent domestic AI infrastructure, ensuring sustainable, energy-efficient AI computing that supports large-scale AI models and industry applications

Strategic focus areas include

  • expanding AI computing clusters
    • developing two 10 EFLOPS computing hubs in Haidian, Chaoyang and Yizhuang to support large AI model training
  • strengthening AI industry applications
    • deploying AI solutions in healthcare, finance, smart manufacturing and energy with over 200 benchmark AI projects
  • building a green AI ecosystem
    • retrofitting data centers for low energy consumption (PUE <1.25) and promoting zero-carbon AI computing using renewable energy
  • enhancing AI network infrastructure
    • upgrading 400G bandwidth and optimising low-latency AI data exchange across regional AI hubs
  • ensuring AI security and self-sufficiency
    • prioritising domestic AI chips, software and cloud technologies to reduce reliance on foreign tech

Beijing will incentivise private sector investment, provide AI computing credits and offer funding for green AI initiatives. The city will also host global AI summits to establish Beijing as a leader in AI research, development and governance.