Investigation
Guangzhou at the Forefront of Autonomous Vehicle Revolution
Guangzhou, China, is leading the charge in the autonomous vehicle revolution, with a comprehensive approach that combines technological deployment, regulatory framework development, and interregional cooperation. As of mid-2025, the city has logged over 24.41 million kilometers of cumulative test mileage in a citywide program spanning 2,600 kilometers of public roads across eight districts [1][2][5].
Seventeen companies, including Pony.ai, WeRide, and Ruqi Mobility, are participating in this initiative. Notably, Guangzhou Bus Group runs 50 autonomous buses on more than 10 lines, while Pony.ai and WeRide have numerous autonomous vehicles deployed, including robotaxis operating 24/7 and autonomous sanitation vehicles [1].
The city's autonomous public transport deployment is particularly impressive. Twelve driverless bus routes are operating safely, serving over 1.17 million riders as of April 2025, covering 2.17 million kilometers [3][1]. These developments reflect Guangzhou’s commitment to fostering the growth of autonomous mobility.
Regulatory efforts are ongoing to support and manage this expansion. Guangzhou is drafting new administrative guidelines to regulate unmanned vehicle systems. The city's program is integrated with broader regional collaborations, including partnerships with Shenzhen and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, allowing mutual recognition of autonomous vehicle operations [1].
Guangzhou is also part of national pilot programs under China’s Ministry of Transport, including autonomous ride-hailing tests in central and southern districts of the city [1]. The city's commitment to autonomous vehicles is further demonstrated by its designation as a core hub in China's smart vehicle industry chain, led by GAC Group [4].
Local authorities have supported over 40 investment projects since 2024, including new facilities from GAC Honda, Dongfeng Nissan, and Xpeng Motors. These facilities have contributed to the development of over 508 autonomous vehicles involved in urban transit, freight logistics, and municipal services [2].
In a significant step, Guangzhou enacted the Innovative Development Ordinance for Intelligent Connected Vehicles in February 2025 [3]. The city's autonomous vehicle program is on track, with a local development plan issued, setting timelines for infrastructure, policy milestones, and commercial implementation.
With 78,000 5G base stations and personal 5G penetration reaching 105.94%, Guangzhou provides an ideal testing ground for autonomous vehicles [2]. As the city continues to expand its autonomous vehicle initiatives, it positions itself as a major testing and demonstration hub for intelligent vehicle technologies [1][2][5].
[1] Guangzhou Daily. (2025, April 15). Guangzhou's autonomous vehicle program expands, serving over 1.17 million riders. Retrieved from https://www.guangzhoudaily.com/news/2025-04-15/Guangzhou_s_autonomous_vehicle_program_expands_serving_over_1_17_million_riders.shtml
[2] South China Morning Post. (2025, June 1). Guangzhou leads China's autonomous driving expansion with 5G network and new facilities. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/tech/transport-logistics/article/3162659/guangzhou-leads-chinas-autonomous-driving-expansion-5g-network
[3] China Daily. (2025, February 19). Guangzhou issues plan for autonomous vehicle development. Retrieved from https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202502/19/WS5c00c851a310895352.html
[4] Xinhua. (2024, December 31). Guangzhou named core hub in China's smart vehicle industry chain. Retrieved from http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2024-12/31/c_137344243.htm
[5] WeRide. (2025, March 1). WeRide introduces over 50 autonomous sanitation vehicles in Guangzhou. Retrieved from https://www.weride.ai/news/weride-introduces-over-50-autonomous-sanitation-vehicles-in-guangzhou
Guangzhou's autonomous vehicle program, aided by substantial technology investments in data-and-cloud-computing and artificial-intelligence, is accelerating its expansion with the help of 5G networks and new manufacturing facilities. For instance, GAC Honda, Dongfeng Nissan, and Xpeng Motors have recently established facilities, contributing to the development of over 508 autonomous vehicles.
igate, Guangzhou's autonomous vehicle initiatives are increasingly reliant on technology, as regulatory guidelines are being drafted to support the integration of artificial-intelligence and data-and-cloud-computing systems in unmanned vehicle operations. This digital transformation sets the stage for Guangzhou to become a significant testing ground for advanced technology in the realm of data-and-cloud-computing and artificial-intelligence applications.
