THE 2024 China AI Grand Event, the country’s first AI-powered gala that merges ancient and modern China, premiered on China Central Television’s (CCTV) channel CCTV-1, and its online video platform Yangshipin and website cctv.com on Friday evening. The gala was jointly hosted by China Media Group (CMG), the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, and the Guangdong government, and co-produced by cctv.com, CCTV’s Guangdong branch, and the Shenzhen government. From original cultural productions to high-tech developments, Shenzhen’s contributions stood out prominently at the show. The AI-generated digital human “Leah” visited a virtual “Shenzhen” to explore the story behind “Wing Chun,” a dance drama produced in Shenzhen. Leah also learned martial arts from the performers, providing the audience with a visual feast and demonstrating how AI technology can aid in preserving intangible cultural heritage. In addition, Xpeng, a Chinese electric vehicle company, captivated viewers by completing a slalom on the winding roads of Dameisha in Shenzhen’s Yantian District using voice-controlled AI driving in just 8 minutes and 57 seconds, setting a Guinness World Record. The event also featured Shenzhen’s Mawan Port, the first 5G smart port in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, showcasing its smooth and efficient intelligent logistics system. Shenzhen’s high-tech advancements were further highlighted through the songs and experiences shared by the Niuniu Choir from Sichuan Province. The choir members expressed their amazement at the “magical scenes” they saw in Shenzhen. “In Shenzhen, we saw many amazing things, such as adorable robotic puppies, screens that can chat with people, and cars that can move without a driver. AI can help us do even more in the future, and we are very excited about it,” the choir shared. The audience, whether watching on television or online, was also deeply impressed by the show’s creativity and brilliance. “Shenzhen truly deserves to be called the ‘city of the future,’ with AI technology deeply integrated into all aspects of life,” shared Ms. Zhang, a Shenzhen resident. “AI is everywhere in Shenzhen, making our lives more convenient, efficient, and intelligent. Watching the event made me proud to be a Shenzhener, especially the program where Leah learned to practice Wing Chun. At the end of Leah’s journey, the subtitle ‘Pioneering, Progressive, Striving, and Responsible’ — embodies Shenzhen’s spirit,” Zhang added. (Liu Yangyang) | 