China’s internet user base has skyrocketed to 1.1 billion as of December 2024, up 16 million from 2023, according to a new report. This milestone highlights the country’s role as a digital powerhouse, driving innovations from e-commerce to AI. 📈
🚀 Nearly 80% of the population is now online, with 974 million people shopping digitally and over 1 billion using mobile payments. Online retail sales hit a staggering $2.18 trillion in 2024—proof that China’s digital economy is thriving like never before.
💡 Rural areas and seniors are joining the trend: 76% of rural netizens and 70% of users aged 60+ shop online. Meanwhile, short videos and live-stream sales are reshaping shopping habits, with half of viewers regularly tuning into livestreams to buy products. 🛒
🎬 Micro-dramas—bite-sized, binge-worthy shows—are now a $647K job creator, rivaling the Chinese mainland’s box office revenue. And with AI tools used by 249 million people, tech is transforming everything from offices to factories.
✈️ Online travel bookings also surged, hitting 548 million users as digital platforms fuel tourism’s post-pandemic rebound. With 5G coverage expanding rapidly (4.19 million base stations!), China’s digital future looks unstoppable. 🔋
