AI in Action: Exploring China’s Innovation Ecosystem

China is redefining the future of technology with breathtaking advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and beyond. In just the past few months, groundbreaking innovations have positioned China as a global leader, capturing the world’s attention and setting new benchmarks for what’s possible. From intelligent systems that transform industries to cutting-edge AI applications that push boundaries, China’s innovation ecosystem is a force to be reckoned with.

This five-day immersive tour will take you through China’s most dynamic innovation hubs: Shanghai, the financial technology center where traditional finance meets cutting-edge digital solutions; Hangzhou, the birthplace of entrepreneurial giants and a hotbed for disruptive technologies; and Shenzhen, the tech-driven city at the forefront of smart hardware and AI development. The tour will focus on key areas such as AI-driven financial transformation, intelligent robotics, latest applications of cloud, blockchain, and big data analytics, and consumer-centric digital ecosystems, offering a comprehensive look at China’s innovation landscape.

This journey is not just about learning how these technologies are transforming industries like finance—it’s about connecting with the visionary minds behind them. Experience the pulse of China’s tech revolution firsthand, feel the nation’s relentless drive to innovate, and bring these insights back to your own country and work.

Join us on the 2025 China Innovation Tour and be part of a transformative experience that will inspire, enlighten, and empower you to shape the future.

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Key focus areas:

automation

Immerse yourself in the unique innovation atmospheres of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen.

automation

Explore how AI is driving the next wave of digital transformation across industries.

automation

Discover the revolutionary integration of generative AI, large language models, and embodied AI in finance.

automation

Learn about the latest developments in blockchain, cloud computing, and big data.

Tour Itinerary

China AI Innovation Study Tour 2025

Day-1, 8 Sep 2025
09:00

Introduction

Our hosts will provide an introduction to the programme and a run-down of the site visits and key innovation trends to be covered during the tour.

10:00

Depart from the hotel 

10:30

Alipay+ Wallet Technology: Connecting global markets through cross-border payment solutions

Alipay+ is a leading global cross-border payment platform that enables seamless financial connectivity for merchants and consumers worldwide. This session will showcase how Alipay+ leverages technology to bridge markets, enhance efficiency, and support the global expansion of businesses:

  • Explore how Alipay+ integrates diverse payment methods and local wallets to create a unified cross-border payment experience.
  • Learn about the platform’s role in supporting SMEs and merchants in accessing global markets through innovative payment solutions.
  • Discover how Alipay+ uses advanced technologies to optimize transaction efficiency, security, and scalability in cross-border payments.
12:30

Lunch

14:00

Meituan Financial: Revolutionizing financial services through lifestyle integration

Meituan Financial, as the financial services platform of Meituan, provides comprehensive financial solutions for users and merchants through its "scenario + finance" model. In this session, delegates will explore how Meituan Financial leverages its vast ecosystem of lifestyle consumption scenarios, utilizing big data, biometrics, and cloud computing to drive innovation in financial inclusion, optimize service efficiency, enhance user experience, and manage risks effectively.

  • Examine the integration of payment and lending services with Meituan’s food delivery, travel, and local business networks.
  • Learn how big data and AI enable tailored financial products for SMEs on the platform.
  • Discover efforts to drive financial inclusion in lower-tier cities and rural areas through accessible services.
16:30

Inceptio Technology: Redefining logistics with autonomous trucking

Inceptio Technology is a pioneer in autonomous driving for long-haul logistics, developing L3 and L4 autonomous trucking systems deployed at scale across China’s freight network. More than just a transportation breakthrough, Inceptio’s innovation represents how AI is transforming traditional industries, reshaping supply chains, and changing the fabric of everyday life.

  • Explore how AI and autonomous technologies are being applied to logistics to boost safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
  • Understand the ripple effect of autonomous trucking on cities, labour markets, and industrial infrastructure.
  • Learn how Inceptio’s real-world deployments reflect China’s broader push to embed AI into core sectors of the economy.
19:00

Welcome dinner 

End of Day 1


China AI Innovation Study Tour 2025

Day-2, 9 Sep 2025
08:30

Depart from the hotel

09:00

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPDB): Pioneering digital transformation in banking

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPDB), one of China’s leading joint-stock commercial banks, has been at the forefront of digital innovation in the financial sector. The bank’s newly unveiled "Digital Space" highlights its commitment to leveraging technology to redefine banking services and customer engagement. This visit will provide a deep dive into SPDB’s digital achievements and its vision for the future of finance:

  • Explore SPDB’s digital banking solutions, including AI-driven customer service, blockchain applications, and big data analytics for risk management.
  • Understand how the bank integrates digital tools into traditional services, offering seamless omnichannel experiences for customers.
  • Learn about SPDB’s initiatives to drive financial inclusion and support SMEs through innovative digital solutions.
11:30

Travel to Hangzhou by high-speed rail and experience ‘China Speed’ firsthand.

13:30

Lunch

15:00

Cainiao: Smart logistics at the heart of e-commerce innovation

Born from the rapid rise of China’s e-commerce sector, Cainiao has become a leading force in redefining logistics through deep integration of physical infrastructure, digital technology, and platform ecosystems. At its Hangzhou headquarters, delegates will explore how Cainiao blends data intelligence with operational scale to create a highly responsive, scenario-driven logistics network. The visit will also highlight Cainiao’s differentiated service models that cater to diverse customer needs across speed, cost, and reliability.

  • Discover how Cainiao leverages AI, IoT, and cloud computing to optimise logistics operations across warehousing, transportation, and last-mile delivery.
  • Understand the evolution of China’s logistics industry through e-commerce-driven demand and smart infrastructure.
  • Examine Cainiao’s approach to customising logistics services to meet varying consumer and merchant expectations in a competitive delivery market.
18:30

Night talk: Capitalising on innovation

Over dinner, delegates will join a candid conversation with a venture capitalist on the evolving dynamics of China’s innovation landscape. The discussion will explore what makes China’s tech ecosystem unique—from its speed of adoption and scale of experimentation to the integration of AI across sectors. In this informal exchange, participants will gain practical insights into how investors view emerging technologies, navigate regulatory complexities, and identify value in a rapidly changing environment.

End of Day 2


China AI Innovation Study Tour 2025

Day-3, 10 Sep 2025
08:30

Depart from the hotel

09:00

AML Center, Ant Group: Advancing digital trust through intelligent risk management

As a global leader in digital finance, Ant Group has built a comprehensive anti-fraud and anti-money laundering (AML) framework to safeguard the integrity of its platforms. The AML Center in Hangzhou showcases Ant’s cutting-edge approach to risk detection and compliance, powered by big data, AI, and real-time analytics. Delegates will explore how the company balances innovation and regulation while enabling secure financial services at scale.

  • Visit the Ant Group Exhibition Centre to understand the company’s founding story, key milestones, and its innovations across digital payments, inclusive finance, and global expansion.
  • Learn how Ant Group applies machine learning and behavioural modelling to detect complex fraud and money laundering patterns within the AML Center.
  • Examine how Ant integrates AML protocols into its broader digital ecosystem, ensuring compliance while supporting seamless, secure user experiences across platforms.
11:00

MyBank: Ten years of digital innovation in inclusive finance

Marking its tenth anniversary in 2025, MyBank has grown into one of China’s leading digital banks for inclusive finance. Originally created to serve small merchants on Alibaba platforms, it now supports a broader base of independent SMEs, rural entrepreneurs, and small-scale farmers across China. Its model is built entirely on technology, using data-driven methods to deliver low-cost, efficient financial services at scale.

  • Learn about MyBank’s development journey, core business model, and long-term commitment to enabling financially underserved communities.
  • Explore how MyBank integrates cutting-edge technologies—from AI and satellite imaging to supply chain data and intelligent risk controls—to drive innovation across lending, wealth management, and compliance.
  • Understand how its tech-powered model brings affordable, timely support to small businesses traditionally excluded from mainstream finance.
13:00

Lunch

14:30

Zhejiang University: Unraveling the success of Hangzhou’s "Six Little Dragons"

The "Six Little Dragons of Hangzhou," including the hottest AI company DeepSeek AI, robotics firms Unitree and DEEP Robotics, and three other startups, represent a new wave of Chinese innovators reshaping industries through cutting-edge technologies, transforming the city into a global innovation hub. In this session, a professor from Zhejiang University—where three of the six founders are alumni—will delve into the factors behind their rise, exploring how Hangzhou’s ecosystem of government support, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit has fueled this success:

  • Examine how Hangzhou’s policies and culture enabled the "Six Little Dragons" to thrive.
  • Learn about the collaboration among government, academia, and entrepreneurs driving innovation.
  • Discuss the replicability of this model for other regions.
16:30

Transfer to Shenzhen by flight 

End of Day 3


China AI Innovation Study Tour 2025

Day-4, 11 Sep 2025
09:30

Depart from the hotel 

10:00

Ping An Bank: Redefining banking through technology and innovation

Ping An Bank, a subsidiary of Ping An Group, is at the forefront of digital transformation in China’s banking sector, leveraging emerging technologies to deliver smarter, more efficient financial services. This visit offers a closer look at how Ping An Bank integrates technology into its operations to enhance customer experiences and drive industry innovation:

  • Explore Ping An Bank’s digital banking solutions, including AI-driven customer service, big data analytics, and blockchain applications for secure and efficient transactions.
  • Learn how the bank uses technology to create personalized financial products and services, catering to the needs of both individual and corporate clients.
  • Discover Ping An Bank’s innovative approaches to digital marketing, leveraging data and AI to enhance customer engagement and drive business growth.
12:00

Lunch 

14:00

Tencent Cloud: Powering intelligent, real-time risk control

Tencent Cloud’s Risk Control Platform (RCP) delivers a one-stop solution for intelligent, real-time risk management. Built on Tencent’s anti-fraud technologies and financial-grade infrastructure, the platform integrates data processing, modelling, and scenario-based decision-making to help institutions manage risks across payments, lending, and digital services.

  • See how AI-driven tools detect and block fraud instantly, with adaptive models that evolve through continuous feedback.
  • Learn how RCP’s modular system reduces integration costs and enhances scalability for financial and tech partners.
  • Understand Tencent Cloud’s approach to collaborative risk governance and ecosystem-wide security standards.
16:00

WeBank: Driving SME innovation through blockchain-powered finance

As China’s first digital-only bank, WeBank was launched to serve individual users within the WeChat ecosystem. In contrast to MyBank, which originated by financing merchants on Alibaba’s platforms, WeBank began with a consumer-first approach and later expanded into SME services. Building on its strong digital foundation, WeBank now plays a leading role in applying blockchain to enhance the transparency, efficiency, and reach of inclusive finance.

  • Explore how WeBank leverages blockchain technology to streamline SME lending and build trust through transparent, tamper-proof processes.
  • Learn how its digital-only model enables cost-effective, scalable financial services for urban small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs.
  • Understand how WeBank balances innovation and compliance by embedding smart risk controls across its growing portfolio of SME-focused solutions.
18:00

Transfer to Songshan Lake followed by dinner.

End of Day 4


China AI Innovation Study Tour 2025

Day-5, 12 Sep 2025
09:00

Huawei Songshan Lake Campus: Exploring the heart of Huawei’s innovation engine

Located in Dongguan, Huawei’s Songshan Lake Campus serves as one of the company’s core R&D and headquarters clusters. With a strong focus on next-generation technologies such as AI, cloud infrastructure, telecommunications, and intelligent devices, the campus embodies Huawei’s ambition to lead in global tech innovation through deep, long-cycle investment in research and talent.

  • Gain insights into Huawei’s end-to-end innovation strategy across connectivity, cloud, and intelligent systems.
  • Understand how the company integrates foundational research with real-world application to shape global technology standards.
  • Explore how Huawei fosters a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem amid evolving global challenges
12:30

Feedback, concluding session and lunch

We will recap the site visits and discussions with all the participants and tour hosts, as well as exchange personal conclusions, ideas and insights. Delegates will be asked to present their feedback and takeaways from the tour.  

14:30

End of the programme 


Tour Hosts

Marla Sofer
Marla Sofer
Founder & CEO, knomee

Who should attend?

bank

Chairmen, CEOs, and board members of banks from the United States, Europe, Africa, Middle East and rest of Asia seeking to integrate innovation into their business models

bank

Heads of strategic planning

bank

Heads of technology and operations

bank

C-level executives, including chief innovation officers; heads of digital finance and chief marketing officers

bank

Corporate professionals who are new to China

Register Today

USD 15,000

  • The registration fee covers all site visits and meetings, a 5-night accommodation (7-11 September), transportation between Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen, as well as between sites, and group dining as outlined in the agenda.
  • Any additional expenses beyond these, including airport transfers, visa fees, and meals on free evenings, are the participant’s responsibility.
  • The Asian Banker can provide a letter of participation to support visa applications.

Have a Query? Get in Touch with Us Today!

498885

Delegate Registration