China Launches ‘BoGuan,’ the World’s First Commercial Multimodal AI Model for Cultural Tourism, Transforming Heritage and Smart Travel

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Anamika Talukder

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June 29, 2026 21:50 GMT+5:30

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China has taken another significant step in applying artificial intelligence to real-world industries with the commercial rollout of BoGuan, described as the world’s first commercial multimodal large language model (LLM) built specifically for the cultural tourism sector. Launched in Xi’an, the historic capital of Shaanxi Province, the platform is designed to combine advanced AI capabilities with heritage preservation, tourism services, and creative media production.

Developed through a partnership between Shaanxi Culture Industry Investment Group (SCG) and Huawei, BoGuan represents a new generation of industry-focused AI models that move beyond text-based interactions by processing images, videos, audio, 3D content, and structured cultural data. Officials believe the technology can simultaneously preserve China’s cultural heritage while creating new commercial opportunities for tourism operators, creative industries, and local businesses.

AI Meets Cultural Heritage

Unlike general-purpose AI systems, BoGuan has been trained using an extensive cultural tourism dataset containing historical records, multimedia archives, three-dimensional models, museum resources, and digital cultural assets. This specialized knowledge enables the platform to generate highly detailed content related to historical sites, traditional craftsmanship, museums, and regional culture.

One of the project’s primary objectives is safeguarding China’s intangible cultural heritage through digital preservation. Traditional crafts that once relied entirely on manual documentation can now be digitally recreated, catalogued, and presented using AI-generated multimedia content.

For artisans, the technology dramatically reduces production time while preserving traditional artistic techniques. AI-assisted workflows enable creators to digitize cultural products more efficiently without replacing the human craftsmanship that gives these works their authenticity.

By converting historical knowledge into digital assets, BoGuan also ensures that valuable cultural traditions remain accessible for future generations while expanding their reach to global audiences.

Turning Heritage into Economic Value

Beyond preservation, BoGuan has introduced a new commercial model centered on digital intellectual property (IP).

Historical artifacts, folklore, and traditional artistic elements can now be transformed into digital collectibles, animated characters, licensed merchandise, and interactive cultural products. One example is the creation of cartoon characters inspired by ancient relics from Shaanxi’s rich archaeological heritage. These digital creations have already generated commercial returns through licensed merchandise and collectible products, demonstrating how cultural preservation can support sustainable economic growth rather than relying solely on government funding.

This strategy reflects a growing trend within China’s digital economy, where AI is increasingly used to create new revenue streams from cultural resources while maintaining public interest in historical heritage.

Instead of viewing museums and archaeological sites solely as tourist attractions, BoGuan enables them to become living digital ecosystems capable of supporting creative industries, educational content, and commercial innovation.

Smarter Travel Experiences for Millions

Tourism applications represent another major pillar of BoGuan’s commercial deployment.

The AI model powers intelligent travel assistants capable of helping visitors design personalized itineraries, recommend attractions, suggest dining options, answer historical questions, and adjust travel plans in real time based on user preferences.

Integrated into Shaanxi’s tourism platforms, these AI companions have already become available to millions of users, providing customized recommendations before and during their trips. Rather than relying on static travel guides, tourists can interact conversationally with AI to discover local experiences tailored to their interests.

The platform also supports multilingual communication, making historical information more accessible to both domestic and international visitors.

Officials see these intelligent tourism services as an important step toward modernizing visitor experiences while encouraging longer stays and increased tourism spending across the region.

AI Photography Creates Interactive Tourism

Among BoGuan’s most innovative consumer applications is its AI-powered photography service.

Using generative AI, visitors can upload photographs that are seamlessly transformed into historically themed scenes, allowing them to appear dressed in traditional costumes or standing within digitally reconstructed ancient settings.

The technology effectively enables tourists to “travel back in time,” blending modern photography with historically inspired visual storytelling.

These personalized digital souvenirs have become an additional source of tourism revenue while enhancing visitor engagement with local culture. Instead of simply taking photographs at historical landmarks, travelers can create immersive digital experiences that connect them more closely with China’s cultural history.

The success of these services demonstrates how artificial intelligence can generate entirely new tourism products without altering or placing additional pressure on physical heritage sites.

Accelerating Creative Media Production

BoGuan is also reshaping Xi’an’s rapidly expanding digital media industry.

The city has emerged as an important production hub for China’s booming short-drama market, where producers create fast-paced, mobile-friendly entertainment for online audiences.

By integrating AI into script development, visual content creation, scene design, and production planning, BoGuan helps creative teams improve both production speed and overall quality.

Rather than replacing writers and filmmakers, the AI serves as a creative assistant that automates repetitive tasks while allowing production teams to focus on storytelling and artistic direction.

Industry leaders believe these efficiencies could significantly lower production costs while increasing the competitiveness of local creative studios.

Digital Infrastructure Supporting Smart Tourism

BoGuan’s deployment is supported by broader investments in digital infrastructure throughout Xi’an.

Advanced telecommunications networks enable tourists to access AI-powered services, real-time navigation, live streaming, and immersive digital experiences even during periods of heavy visitor traffic. This combination of AI software and next-generation connectivity creates an integrated smart tourism ecosystem capable of supporting millions of users simultaneously.

The project reflects China’s broader strategy of combining artificial intelligence with cultural industries to improve public services while generating new economic opportunities.

A New Blueprint for Cultural Tourism

BoGuan illustrates how artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimental technology into practical commercial applications. Instead of functioning solely as a conversational chatbot, the multimodal AI model serves multiple industries simultaneously, including heritage preservation, tourism management, digital commerce, education, and entertainment.

Its launch demonstrates how specialized AI systems can unlock the commercial value of cultural resources while making history more engaging and accessible for modern audiences.

As countries worldwide explore AI adoption across tourism and creative industries, Xi’an’s experience offers an example of how digital innovation can support both economic development and cultural conservation.

By combining heritage preservation with smart tourism, digital intellectual property, and AI-assisted media production, BoGuan represents a new generation of industry-specific artificial intelligence that seeks to preserve the past while creating opportunities for the future.