China’s AI Ecosystem & Open Weights
Who makes what in Chinese AI, why so many Chinese models are released as open weights, and what that means for how your company can use AI.
Ecosystem Map
Ten companies shape most of the AI you'll use in China. Click one to see its main models and apps.
Figures: monthly users are QuestMobile data for May 2026; model dates are each company's announcement. Versions change fast, so the app names matter more than the numbers.
Open vs Closed Explainer
Many of China's strongest models are released as open weights. Compare the two approaches.
Why it matters at work: for everyday tasks, the free apps are the fastest way to start. When a project involves sensitive data, ask your IT team whether an open-weight model run inside the company is the better route.
5-Question Quiz
Check what you've learned. Each answer explains itself.