BEIJING – Ever dreamed of being a pilot? In the heart of historic Qianmen, Beijing Fun turned that dream into a reality—digitally, at least. As part of Beijing’s Digital Economy Experience Week, visitors were able to sit inside a life-like flight simulator modeled after China’s first homegrown passenger jet, the C919.
“This isn’t just a game,” said a representative from Harbin Wright Brothers Technology, the company behind the simulation. “It’s a full-scale replication of a real cockpit, complete with flight operation systems. You get to feel what it’s like to actually fly the aircraft.”
The company has already launched over 100 aviation experience centers across China, delivering more than 200 high-tech simulators. And that’s just a fraction of what was on display during Experience Week—a high-energy event leading up to the Global Digital Economy Conference 2025, which officially kicked off on July 2.
Held across 6,000 square meters, the event blended Beijing’s historic architecture with some of the most futuristic tech on the market. Over 50 tech firms participated, showcasing immersive exhibits, AI-powered tools, and interactive experiences.
A big hit among families was the AI bazaar, a vibrant area packed with smart toys designed for kids. From AI robot dogs and smart mirrors to interactive learning companions, it was clear that AI is quickly becoming part of everyday life—even playtime.
“The AI gaming market is booming,” said Yan, CTO of Shenzhen Liangxu Huanyou Technology. “Our robot dog not only talks to kids but also teaches them things through its AI learning system. It’s entertainment and education wrapped into one.”
Beijing is now seen as one of the world’s top digital economy hubs—on par with cities like San Francisco. The city is home to over 2,400 AI companies and eight unicorns in the global top 100 digital startups, with a combined value of nearly 2 trillion yuan. Last year alone, the digital economy contributed roughly 45% of Beijing’s GDP, growing by around 7.5%.
Looking ahead, officials plan to keep that momentum going. The city aims to increase the digital economy’s value by another 8% in 2025 and further blend digital tech with traditional industries.
Whether it’s piloting a jet, chatting with an AI pet, or watching your city reshape itself with smart technology—Beijing’s digital future is arriving faster than many imagined.
