Wuzhen Summit Boosts Ancient Towns Transformation into Smart Hub

The 2025 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, which concluded recently in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province, China, marked a pivotal event for the nation’s internet industry. This year's summit, its 12th session, coincided with the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the idea of fostering a community with a shared future in cyberspace.

As a historical water town with a legacy spanning 1,300 years, Wuzhen has been the permanent host for the WIC since 2014. The rapid evolution of internet technology has created a dual temporal experience in the town; the 'slow version' characterized by traditional architecture and picturesque waterways coexists with the 'fast version' comprising advanced data streams and interconnected systems.

Once traversed by oar boats, distances in Wuzhen are now bridged instantaneously through 5G networks. Local products that were traditionally sold at market stalls have found new life in international e-commerce. The advancements in artificial intelligence were prominently featured at this year’s conference, underscoring a future that is rapidly transitioning from dreams to realities.

Participants at the summit showcased a range of innovative technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence, demonstrating the significant advancements made over the last couple of years. Zhang Chengcheng, a senior manager at Noetix Robotics, stated that the surge in new domestic companies focused on humanoid robots and embodied intelligence reflects both national support and key technological advancements.

This innovation was epitomized by the presentation of Xiaonuo, a bionic humanoid robot by Noetix Robotics at the conference, signifying a milestone in the commercial application of humanoid robotics, officially anticipated for 2025.

According to data released by the summit organizers, 17 international projects received the 2025 Awards for Pioneering Science and Technology, showcasing innovations across various domains of artificial intelligence, such as foundational chips, operating systems, and large model development.

The wide-ranging applications of technology at the summit were underscored by insights from Frédéric Werner, an official from the International Telecommunication Union, who emphasized the unprecedented speed at which innovations are occurring, providing ample opportunity for businesses and collaborations aimed at solving global issues.

The Wuzhen Summit not only highlights technological advancements but also serves as a platform for global engagement in the governance of internet technologies. Since the introduction of the concept of a shared future in cyberspace in December 2015, the conference has evolved from theoretical discussions to practical applications, contributing to bridging the digital divide.

DAS-Security, a leading cybersecurity firm, celebrated its 12-year participation in the summit, noting the evolution of the concept into a global consensus, as evidenced by their receipt of the Distinguished Contribution Award for significant achievements in internet governance.

Furthermore, China has made substantial investments in global information infrastructure, particularly for developing countries, by sharing technology and resources to foster digital inclusivity. The Luban Workshop initiative exemplifies this commitment by offering vocational training in digital fields across 29 countries.