Since its inception in 1997, the “Statistical Report on China’s Internet Development” has been a cornerstone for understanding the evolution and trends of the Internet in China. The 55th edition, released in January 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of the Internet’s development in China over the past year, highlighting key milestones and emerging trends. This blog post delves into the report’s core findings, offering valuable insights for businesses, researchers, and anyone interested in China’s digital landscape.
Key Takeaways from the China Internet User Report:
- Internet Infrastructure Development:
- IP Addresses and Domain Names: As of December 2024, China had 392.39 million IPv4 addresses and 69,148 /32 IPv6 addresses. The total number of domain names reached 33.02 million, with “.CN” domain names accounting for 20.82 million.
- 5G and Broadband: China has made significant strides in 5G deployment, with 4.19 million 5G base stations built by November 2024. The country also boasts 11.99 billion internet broadband access ports, reflecting its commitment to expanding digital connectivity.
- Internet User Demographics:
- User Scale and Penetration: China’s internet user base grew to 1.108 billion by December 2024, with an internet penetration rate of 78.6%. Mobile internet users reached 1.105 billion, representing 99.7% of the total user base.
- Urban-Rural Divide: Urban internet users accounted for 71.8% of the total, while rural users made up 28.2%. The report highlights efforts to bridge the digital divide, with rural internet penetration reaching 65.6%.
- Internet Applications:
- E-commerce and Online Services: The report details the growth of e-commerce, online video, and social media platforms. Notably, short video platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou have become integral to daily life, with user scales reaching 1.04 billion.
- Digital Payments: With 1.029 billion users, digital payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay have transformed consumer behaviour, making cashless transactions the norm.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development:
- AI Integration: The report emphasises the rapid integration of AI into various sectors, including healthcare, education, and entertainment. Generative AI services have seen significant growth, with 302 such services registered by December 2024.
- User Adoption: AI tools are gaining traction among users, particularly for content creation, office automation, and entertainment.
- Government Services Online:
- Digital Governance: The report highlights the expansion of online government services, with 1.004 billion users accessing these platforms. Initiatives like the National Integrated Government Service Platform have streamlined administrative processes, enhancing efficiency and user experience.
The 55th Statistical Report on China’s Internet Development offers a wealth of data and insights into the country’s digital transformation. The report underscores China’s position as a global leader in internet and digital technology, from infrastructure advancements to user demographics and application trends. Understanding these trends is crucial for businesses and policymakers to navigate the opportunities and challenges of China’s dynamic digital landscape.