Innovative AI Model Boosts Cultural Tourism in Xi’an
XI’AN, CHINA – June 29, 2026 – Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities and a top tourist destination, is making waves in the cultural tourism scene with the launch of BoGuan, the world’s first commercial multimodal large language model (LLM) focused on cultural tourism. This cutting-edge technology is helping create engaging digital content related to cultural heritage, enhancing visitor experiences, and driving economic growth in the area.
The Shaanxi Culture Industry Investment Group (SCG), in collaboration with major tech companies like Huawei and China Telecom, is spearheading this initiative. Since its introduction, BoGuan has been integrated into various cultural tourism applications, helping over 4 million users plan their trips more effectively.
BoGuan, launched in September 2025, stands out as China’s first model dedicated to preserving cultural heritage through digital means. Its extensive dataset includes an impressive 1.2 petabytes of data, encompassing millions of images, videos, and audio recordings, enabling it to create precise and captivating content about cultural relics.
Local artisan Zhang Beiyuan remarked on the model’s impact, saying, “With this model, I can finish a dough sculpture that typically takes months in just under a week.” Additionally, BoGuan has played a role in developing popular digital characters, like Tang Biaobiao, merging local traditions with modern creativity, resulting in significant sales of related merchandise.
BoGuan also aids in creating innovative cultural tourism apps. For instance, the GO-SHAANXI app connects visitors with an AI travel assistant that offers personalized travel plans and real-time attraction updates. Another feature, the Zhiying Camera, enables users to blend their photos with AI-generated historical scenes, enriching their visiting experience.
Moreover, Xi’an has embraced advanced technology with the deployment of a 5G-A network at the Grand Tang Mall, enhancing connectivity for tourists. This network supports high-speed internet, enabling smooth streaming and social media access for thousands of users simultaneously. During peak times, these improvements have led to a doubled engagement with live content and an increase in customer spending.
Edric Chu, General Manager of Huawei’s Shaanxi Office, emphasized the role of AI in promoting cultural heritage. He stated, “AI is transforming how we experience culture and travel, driving the industry forward.” Looking ahead, Huawei aims to continue partnering with local organizations to harness digital technology in preserving cultural heritage and enhancing tourism.
This innovative approach not only boosts the local economy but also ensures the rich cultural heritage of Xi’an is celebrated and shared with the world.
