Follow AI host Yong Zhi to learn more about the upgraded AI Hangzhou 2.0 foreign services platform. [Video provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]

The upgraded AI Hangzhou 2.0 foreign services platform was launched on Sept 5 at the 8th Hangzhou International Day — in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province — adding new digital momentum to the historic city.

Since its debut last year, the platform has attracted over 1 million users and 2.2 billion global views, winning wide recognition at home and abroad.

It can be accessed via Alipay by searching "AI Hangzhou" or through City Services under Living in China on Alipay's home page.

The 2.0 version introduces 11 new application scenarios, including:

A tourism service pack with a SIM card purchase, hotel check-in, luggage delivery, discounted travel cards and tax refund;

A living convenience pack with utility payments, customs e-services and cross-border e-commerce talent recognition;

A transport pack integrating airport express, public transport and bike rentals, with exclusive discounts.

Service efficiency has also improved: The nation's first instant tax refund service shortens processing from 20 minutes to just 2; hotel check-ins can be completed in 10 seconds and ticket booking has been simplified.

Powered by Deepseek's AI, the platform supports multi-language smart searches and personalized recommendations.

The platform is said to be boosting tourism and consumption: From January to August, Hangzhou welcomed 1.02 million foreign overnight visitors — 40.3 percent of the province's total — with inbound tax-free sales more than doubling year-on-year.

It also supports the cross-border e-commerce sector, with 25 foreign livestreamers certified, including a Russian host achieving $100,000 in sales in her first month.

At Hangzhou International Airport, a volunteer base has provided services to over 50,000 inbound travelers in the January-August period.

With its upgraded features, AI Hangzhou 2.0 is becoming a digital gateway for tourism, talent, consumption and cultural exchanges — further consolidating the city's reputation as a global innovation and hospitality hub.

International volunteers give the thumbs-up to the AI Hangzhou services platform. [Photo/WeChat account: hzggwx]