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.
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. 
China Powers Up: 3.8M+ 5G Base Stations Fuel…
