National sci-tech innovation resources converge at east China's Anhui tech fair

The 4th China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair, which kicked off on Sunday in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, has gathered sci-tech innovation resources from across the country, demonstrating robust technological strengths and their application potential.

The three-day fair features eight exhibition zones, showcasing over 2,800 high-quality achievements from more than 1,000 organizations. Notably, over 30 percent of the exhibits are debuting at a national-level event.

During the fair, 13 specialized matchmaking events will be held, covering key fields including artificial intelligence, nuclear fusion energy, and low-altitude economy. These sessions aim to further link national innovation resources and facilitate the translation of more sci-tech achievements into industrial applications in Anhui.

"High-quality outcomes from the three comprehensive national sci-tech innovation centers -- the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area -- along with cutting-edge achievements from 31 top-tier universities both within and outside Anhui -- are being showcased at the fair. This represents a remarkable convergence of the country's top sci-tech innovation resources," said Chen Longsheng, deputy director of the Anhui Provincial Department of Science and Technology.

Additionally, a dedicated interactive zone has been set up in the main exhibition hall, spotlighting the latest advancements in intelligent robotics. Visitors can engage in immersive, hands-on experiences to gain an up-close appreciation of how technological progress is shaping a better quality of life.

The China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair serves as an important window to showcase cutting-edge sci-tech innovations and a key platform for business matchmaking and transactions, helping to deepen the integration between technological innovation and industrial growth.

Having been successfully held three times previously, the fair has drawn participants from national ministries, prestigious universities and research institutes, tech companies, and investment and financing institutions. Over its previous editions, the fair has facilitated the signing of 780 technology projects, with a total value approaching 230 billion yuan (about 33.64 billion U.S. dollars).

National sci-tech innovation resources converge at east China's Anhui tech fair

New energy vehicles (NEVs) accounted for 56.9 percent of all new car sales in China in May, against 50.8 percent in 2025 and 40.9 percent in 2024, according to the latest data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).

With nearly 1.5 million units sold last month, the country's NEV market is growing at a pace that continues to outstrip global expectations.

Chen Shihua, deputy secretary-general of CAAM, attributed the momentum to a combination of falling costs, rapid technological upgrades and a fundamental change in consumer preferences. Even as traditional gasoline car sales soften, NEVs have carved out an independent growth trajectory.

For Chinese buyers, the appeal of NEVs goes far beyond cost savings. The battleground has shifted to the software-defined cabin. Domestic AI models are increasingly being integrated into vehicles, transforming the driving experience from a mechanical task into something highly intuitive.

Some models now use sensors and facial recognition to detect a driver's mood, automatically adjusting ambient lighting, music and even cabin fragrances. As a dealership manager in Chongqing noted, consumers are no longer obsessing over horsepower; they are prioritizing smart features and the overall user experience.

This tech-heavy push is happening alongside a dramatic drop in prices. As battery material costs stabilize and advanced manufacturing techniques, such as integrated die-casting, become standard, automakers are passing the savings directly to consumers.

Brands like BYD and Leapmotor are now offering vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems for under 100,000 yuan, with some entry-level NEVs priced around 80,000 yuan.

Charging infrastructure, long cited as a potential bottleneck, is also keeping pace with demand. According to the National Energy Administration, China had deployed nearly 22 million charging facilities nationwide as of April.

The network now spans from urban centers to remote rural areas, making the promise of charging as convenient as refueling a tangible reality for millions of drivers. Government incentives, including trade-in subsidies, are further fueling this momentum.

Chinese consumers embrace NEVs