An aerial view of Hangzhou. [Photo/Hangzhou News]

Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, has been named one of China's cities with the strongest international communication influence in 2026, according to the Report on the International Communication Influence of Chinese Cities 2026, recently released in Beijing.

The report evaluates cities across five dimensions: overall international exposure, media attention, online discussion, regional influence, and international reputation. Hangzhou ranked among the nation's leading cities, alongside cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Tianjing, and Guangzhou.

The report identifies four major roles for Chinese cities in global communication: global dialogue, innovation, global connectivity, and youth appeal. Hangzhou is highlighted as an innovation-driven city whose overseas visibility is increasingly shaped by science and technology.

The city's rapid development in AI has made Hangzhou a growing focus in global technology discussions. Companies such as DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics have attracted international attention through advances in AI and robotics.

Supported by its strong innovation ecosystem, research institutions, and the development of the West City Science and Technology Innovation Corridor, Hangzhou is accelerating its transition from a leading digital economy hub to a global center for AI innovation.