The Rise of AI Companions in China: Which Companies Lead the Way
As the demand for personalized digital interactions grows, many users now learn Chinese online or practice conversational skills with an online Chinese teacher powered by AI. This trend reflects a broader surge in the development of AI companions in China—a field being rapidly advanced by startups and tech giants alike. These AI companions are not only used for education but also for companionship and mental wellness.
One of the rising stars in this space is Deepseek, known for its open-source large language model that challenges global players like OpenAI. Deepseek focuses on high-performance AI systems that are integrated into various platforms, from chat apps to educational software. Their models are particularly known for their fluency in Chinese and deep contextual understanding, making them ideal for both casual users and professional services.
Other major players include Baidu, whose ERNIE Bot is positioned as a direct competitor to ChatGPT. Baidu has integrated its AI assistant into its search engine, productivity tools, and smart devices. iFlytek, another significant name, specializes in voice recognition and AI-driven communication, often used in smart classrooms and AI tutors. Their companions can carry out rich dialogue and are used in educational institutions across the country.
Tencent and Alibaba have also launched AI assistants through platforms like WeChat and DingTalk, respectively. These companions appear in mobile apps, smart speakers, and even customer service interfaces. They’re increasingly humanlike in conversation, capable of adapting tone, personality, and emotional cues.
AI companions in China are typically accessed through mobile super-apps like WeChat, dedicated apps from the AI companies themselves, or integrated into platforms like Douyin (TikTok China). Users can chat, ask questions, practice languages, or even build emotional connections. Education, particularly language learning, remains one of the most popular uses.
With fierce competition and a supportive tech ecosystem, China’s AI companions are evolving quickly—pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital human interaction.
