Over the past few years, AI services in China have developed rapidly. Initially, competition among technology companies focused mainly on model performance, response quality, and content generation capabilities.
Today, however, priorities are gradually changing. Platforms are increasingly connecting artificial intelligence with real-world services. Booking a ride, ordering food, or purchasing a ticket are now tasks that AI can help complete directly.
As a result, this shift marks a new stage in the development of China’s digital economy.
Recently, Doubao began testing a ride-booking feature through a partnership with CaoCao Mobility, a Chinese ride-hailing platform. With a simple voice command, users can now request a vehicle without leaving the AI assistant.
More importantly, this initiative reflects a broader trend. AI is no longer limited to providing information. Instead, it is becoming increasingly capable of completing real-world tasks.
An Expansion Project in China? We Can Help You!
From Conversational Assistants to AI Services
For many years, AI assistants were primarily used to answer questions or generate content.
Users asked for information, received an answer, and then completed the required actions themselves. As a result, artificial intelligence mainly supported search and content creation.
However, user behaviour is changing rapidly.
When someone wants to book a hotel, buy a ticket, or organise a trip, receiving information alone is no longer enough. What really matters is completing the requested action.
Therefore, many technology platforms are moving in this direction. Their goal is no longer limited to providing information. Instead, they aim to help users complete an entire service from beginning to end.
Why Are Local Services Attracting AI Platforms?
Local services play a strategic role in this transformation.
Transportation, food delivery, and entertainment are among the most common daily activities. Moreover, these sectors are already highly digitalised and supported by mature infrastructure.
As a result, they provide ideal environments for the deployment of artificial intelligence.
In addition, user requests are often simple and easy to understand. Commands such as “Book me a ride” or “Find me a restaurant” can easily be interpreted by conversational AI.
Consequently, the combination of frequent use and straightforward execution explains why technology platforms continue to invest heavily in this area.
The Doubao Case Reflects a Broader Shift
The partnership between Doubao and CaoCao Mobility goes far beyond the transportation sector.
Instead, it highlights the challenges AI platforms face when building a complete service ecosystem.
ByteDance has established a strong position in digital content through its video platforms and advertising business. However, it has fewer everyday service resources than some of its competitors.
Therefore, strategic partnerships have become increasingly important.
By integrating a mobility service, Doubao is gradually expanding its capabilities. In the future, the same approach could extend to restaurants, tourism, ticketing, and many other services.
Consequently, transportation should be seen not as the final objective, but as the first step toward building a broader digital ecosystem.
AI Services in China Enter a New Phase
For several years, companies in this sector focused primarily on technological performance.
Today, however, competition is evolving.
Users still value powerful AI models. Nevertheless, they also expect tools that can simplify everyday tasks.
As a result, platforms are rethinking their long-term strategies.
Technical performance remains essential. At the same time, the ability to connect users with real-world services is becoming an increasingly important competitive advantage.
Against this backdrop, AI services in China are emerging as a new area of competition among the country’s leading technology companies.
Towards a New Generation of Digital Platforms
China’s digital economy has already experienced several major transformations.
First, internet portals became the main gateway to online information. Later, search engines took on a central role. More recently, mobile apps and super apps have completely reshaped user behaviour.
Now, another transition appears to be underway.
Users are becoming increasingly comfortable interacting with AI through natural language instead of switching between multiple applications. Consequently, the way people discover and access services is beginning to change.
As more services become integrated into intelligent assistants, AI could become the primary gateway between consumers and digital platforms.
Therefore, companies are no longer competing simply to build the most powerful AI model. Instead, they are working to create ecosystems capable of meeting a growing range of everyday needs.
Understanding the Evolution of China’s Digital Market
STAiiRS continuously monitors developments in artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and AI services in China to help international businesses better understand changes in the Chinese market.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into mobility, consumer services, and commerce, new opportunities continue to emerge for brands seeking to anticipate the next stage of China’s digital economy.
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