By December 2025, the number of internet users in China reached 1.125 billion, representing an internet penetration rate of 80.1%. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) users totaled 602 million, accounting for 42.8% of the population.
On February 5, China’s Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) Policy and International Cooperation Institute released its 57th Statistical Report on Internet Development in China, showcasing remarkable progress and positive developments in the country’s digital landscape. The report highlights China’s emergence as a global leader in technology, building the world’s most advanced and largest information and communication network and unlocking key channels for economic and social development.
China has constructed 4.838 million 5G base stations, effectively supporting access to advanced network services across more than 330 cities. Two-thirds of prefecture-level cities nationwide have reached gigabit-city standards, with pilot projects underway in some cities to build 10-gigabit optical networks. A dedicated “Signal Upgrade” initiative has expanded deep mobile network coverage to over 240,000 key locations, continuously improving user experience.
With ongoing infrastructure expansion, the number of connected users continues to grow. By December 2025, China’s internet penetration rate had reached 80.1%, a 9.7% increase compared to the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan. Rural internet connectivity reached 69.5%, and among users aged 60 and above, internet adoption rose to 53.7%.
AI is rapidly integrating into everyday life and industrial production, becoming a crucial engine for driving digital and intelligent societal transformation. By the end of 2025, the number of generative AI users in China had surged to 602 million, marking a 141.7% increase compared to the end of 2024.
AI applications now encompass critical industries such as steel, electricity, and telecommunications, gradually extending into product development, quality inspection, and customer service. Meanwhile, industrial exports are entering a new intelligent era powered by big data and AI technologies.
By December 2025, the number of users of online government services in China reached 94 million, covering the full lifecycle of both enterprise and individual services. Internet healthcare users totaled 41.1 million, with mutual recognition of over 200 medical tests and results achieved among municipal medical institutions across all provinces. Online education users reached 327 million, with an increasing number of digital learning resources uploaded to the national smart education public service platform, providing high-quality courses accessible anytime, anywhere.
From merely accessing the internet to effectively living a smart lifestyle, China has made significant strides in both coverage and depth of internet application during the 14th Five-Year Plan. As the country advances its digital intelligence, it promises to illuminate a happier life for more people.
Source: Lily-Hashim-Tuhina, China Media Group.