China’s Digital Twin City and its Implications

Abstract

The construction of new infrastructure by the Chinese government promotes the development of digital twin city. The digital twin city is an important component of the new infrastructure, and the construction of the new infrastructure accelerates the emergence of the digital twin city. New infrastructure is part of China’s new development strategy and is expected to help drive the new Chinese economy, especially in sectors like new consumption, new manufacturing and new services.

Many local authorities have announced related policies, and some policies include provisions for digital twin cities. Along with a set of policies, the technologies supporting digital twin cities, such as 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing, cloud computing, and AI are expected to mature.

This paper explores the concept and current status of China’s digital twin cities, which are rapidly developing in recent years, and describes the implications they carry.

Keywords: twin cities, digital twins, digital twin cities, China, Chinese digital twin cities, digital infrastructure, 5G, IoT, edge computing, cloud computing, AI, digital urban convergence, digital urban infrastructure

JEL Classification: O53, R11, O21