Invite to RSVP: 2026 Shanghai AI & Robotics Innovation Tour
April 21 – 23, 2026 | An Immersive Journey into China's Frontier Tech & Startup Ecosystem
Why This Tour is Unparalleled
The global investment community is witnessing a massive resurgence of interest in China’s “Hard Tech” sectors—specifically Generative AI, Humanoid Robotics and Driverless L4 Robotaxi. However, headlines and research reports only tell the surface-level story. To truly grasp the scale, velocity, and real-world integration of these technologies, you must experience them on the ground.
This tour offers a rare look into the “vibe” of China’s innovation engine, through:
Deep-dive networking: We skip the standard corporate walkthroughs. Engage in candid, closed-door conversations with C-level executives, founders, and industry pioneers.
Insider investment perspectives: We will travel alongside seasoned investors who have backed China’s leading AI and robotics ventures. Gain raw, unfiltered insights into market trends and valuation realities.
Experience real-world applications: We move beyond the pitch deck. Ride in Robotaxis, witness industrial robots in action, and explore AI-native consumer communities.
You will gain a clear, actionable understanding of:
How Chinese AI startups bypass theoretical bottlenecks to rapidly deploy cutting-edge models into high-value commercial use cases.
A firsthand look at the new paradigm where a new generation of entrepreneurs and government sectors co-evolve to de-risk frontier innovation.
Why China’s massive manufacturing base is no longer just a “factory floor,” but a critical R&D partner that accelerates the prototyping and scaling of high-tech hardware.
A realistic assessment of China’s positioning in the global tech landscape, identifying where the ecosystem remains most resilient and where the next growth “inflection points” lie.
English service: The entire program is tailored for international professionals. All members of the Baiguan team and all guest speakers from the companies we’ll visit can converse in English to ensure seamless communication.
Itinerary Overview
This is a 2.5-day immersive program. The detailed daily schedule will be shared with registered participants approximately one week before the tour.
Day 1
Location: Xuhui Riverside (West Bund), Shanghai
About Xuhui Riverside: Known as the core cluster of China’s AI industry, Xuhui Riverside houses nearly 90% of Shanghai’s AI startups. It operates under a unique “Double A” strategy (AI + Art), blending high-tech innovation with a modern, sophisticated lifestyle. The area integrates diverse elements such as art, finance, technology innovation, and sports. Participants will also learn how Shanghai attracts and nurtures tech talent through government policy support for the AI and hard-tech industries.
Welcome Meeting & Ice-breaking
Seminar by Baiguan Team:
Current Landscape of China’s AI and Technology — Strategic policy, the AI ecosystem, and an introduction to the program, including the companies we will be visiting.
Investment Themes, Ideas, and Opportunities — A discussion on sectors driving structural growth in China.
Welcome Dinner
Day 2 & Day 3
Inside China’s AI Incubator: Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center (魔速空间), Xuhui Riverside
About Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center: A premier, government-backed incubator where 80% of resident startups are in Pre-A stages. Covering LLM applications and Industrial AI, it is considered a “living laboratory” for early-stage AI projects in China. Access is typically restricted to industrial and strategic capital; this tour provides an exclusive gateway.
We will conduct in-depth visits to 2-3 representative startup companies, engaging in direct discussions with the founders on key issues such as technological barriers, China’s startup ecosystem, and commercialization paths.
Incubator Walkthrough: Meet startups and experience live demos of the latest robotics, AI, and other cutting-edge technological products and developments.
Cyber Partner Technology (魂伴科技): Implementation layer is getting more and more important, and will be ultimately responsible for translating robotics hardware into actual commercial usage. Cyber Partner Technology is a leading robotics integrator. Its “large robots + AI algorithms” integration solutions have been implemented in over 20 industries, including automotive and 3C manufacturing. We will visit the production line-level robotics dispatch site and engage in a conversation with the founder about pathways for “AI + robotics.”
Nieta Art (捏Ta): Founded by a Meta veteran, Nieta is China’s largest AI-native content community. Meet the CEO to discuss the shift in Gen-Z digital culture and company’s global expansion strategy.
Visits to China’s leading AI and robotics company
One of China’s leading, globally recognised LLM companies. Meet with the team to discuss the latest developments in foundation models and commercial applications.(Exact identity of the company will be shared upon request.)
JAKA Robotics (捷卡机器人): A leading manufacturer of collaborative robotics (cobot). Learn about China’s rapidly growing industrial robotics sector and the automation revolution in manufacturing.
Pony.ai (NASDAQ: PONY): Experience a Robotaxi ride firsthand.
Seminar: Steven Xiao, who invested in Pony.ai’s Series B round in 2018, will share exclusive perspectives on Pony.ai and China’s broader robotaxi development, the current status of the autonomous driving technology, the path toward robotaxi commercialization, investment impacts, as well as the social implications.
Optional experiential activities
This is also your opportunity to experience the vibrant (AI + Art) “Double A” ecosystem in the Xuhui Riverside area, and get a sense of the trendy lifestyle, consumer AIs, and other consumer trends in China. We invite you to optionally join us and explore the lively nightlife, restaurants, fashion, and other experiences this region has to offer. April is also an ideal time to enjoy a walk with a breezy wind and beautiful riverside landscape in Shanghai.
Who will you meet: C-level executives, founders, experts, and industry leaders from startups. We will also meet the Chief Ecosystem Officer of Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, who will provide us with an extensive network and unmatched, direct access to the founders and executives of these high-growth startups.
*All of our visits on day 1 will be within walking distance in the Xuhui Riverside area. Please wear comfortable shoes. We recommend booking a hotel close to Xuhui Riverside.
*Shuttle rides will be arranged for Day 2 and Day 3.
Pricing & Signup
To maintain the quality and focus of this program—and to ensure meaningful interactions among investors and industry leaders—we are accepting participants by application only. Limited to 20 seats.
Standard Tour Price: $3,000 USD per person for the 2.5-day event
Early Bird Discount: $2,860 USD per person for registrations completed by March 20
Baiguan Tour Returnee Discount: $2,100 USD per person for participants who have previously joined a Baiguan tour
What’s Included:
All scheduled company visits and seminars
All lunch and dinners
All ground transportation during the tour
What’s Not Included:
International/domestic flights to/from Shanghai
Chinese visa application fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Breakfasts
Hotels
To apply, please click or scan to fill out this Google form: RSVP: 2026 Shanghai AI & Robotics Innovation Tour
What to expect:
After receiving your response, our team will get in touch within 1 business day to schedule your payment process and discuss the next steps.
We understand that emails can sometimes end up in your spam folder. If you don’t hear from us within 1 business day, please check your spam folder.
Once your payment is processed, your seat will be officially secured. We will follow up with an email to gather additional details to enhance your experience, such as arrival information, dietary restrictions, or any special accommodation needs.
About one week before the program begins, we will reach out with the exact daily schedules, meeting spots, and an introductory brochure about the companies we will be visiting. We will also create a designated WeChat group for participants and invite you to join.
Logistics & Accommodation
Accommodation: Participants should book their own accommodation.
Recommended Stays: We strongly recommend booking at either the Urcove by HYATT Shanghai Xuhui West Riverside Hotel or the MGM Shanghai West Bund Hotel. These hotels are within comfortable walking distance of our primary visit locations and are also located in a vibrant area that blends the AI + art lifestyle and experiences.
Transportation:
Day 1: All activities will be within walking distance.
Day 2 & 3: We will arrange shuttle rides. The shuttle will stop at the recommended MGM Shanghai West Bund to pick up participants on Day 2 & 3. If you choose to stay at a different hotel, please plan on meeting the group in the lobby of the recommended hotel before the program begins.
Testimonials from Previous Tours
“About halfway through the tour, we went out to dinner, and it was a notable turning point where everyone loosened up. One great aspect of this tour is that the interest and domain is specific enough to draw out a diverse set of backgrounds, all of whom you’re interested in getting to know, and beyond getting the opportunity to pick everyone’s brains, you can become friends as well.” — Tech industry expert
“Came with intention to learn more about China, ended up with not only succeeding the original intention but also meeting new friends with diverse backgrounds. “ — Family office 2nd generation leader
I just want to thank Robert, Amber and both the Baiguan + FO Insights team for organizing this China Tour. It has been such a wonderful experience for me. One memorable experience was visiting Yowant’s X27 mall. Just mind-blown by the sheer scale of livestreaming in China. This is unlike any other “investor trip” and I really got to meet many interesting companies, analysts and other financial experts on the ground. Thank you so much! :)— Investor & entrepreneur
Deep Robotics demonstration of their robots, visitng Ali baba cloud center and Xi hu university
It was an incredible opportunity to gain first hand exposure to the Chinese consumer market and witness how homegrown tech companies are playing a crucial role in AI/robotics space. The Baiguan and FOI team deep connections and expertise in the market definitely helped contextualized some of the market nuances.
— Fintech Senior management, personal investor
Baiguan’s tour has provided independent, objective and insightful perspectives for global investors. — CIO private wealth
The Baiguan China Discovery Tour provided a unique opportunity to meet with a number of businesses from different industries. The presentations and discussions gave a good idea about the business models and how they deal with the current situation in the Chinese market. It was an action packed program that gave us many new insights.
But the best was how the group spirit evolved, fueled by the hosts’ organizing skills and hospitality. We came as individual professionals interested in getting to know China on the ground. We left as a group of friends sharing an exceptional experience. — Founder, AI-based cloud solution
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Important Policies
Refunds & Cancellations:
Cancel ≥7 days before the tour start date → Full Refund
Cancel <7 days before the start date (any reason, including visa issues) → No Refund
Requests must be sent in writing to baiguan@bigonelab.com
Visa Application: We strongly urge all non-Chinese passport holders to begin their visa application process immediately upon registration. Participants are responsible for securing valid passports and visas. Failure to obtain a visa is not an exception to the refund policy. To be eligible for a full refund, you must cancel before April 14, 2026. Please plan your visa application accordingly.
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended to protect against unexpected events (medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage, etc.).
Perks
All participants will receive a free 1-year Baiguan subscription. Already a paid subscriber? We’ll extend your subscription by 12 months.
About Baiguan and BigOne Lab
Baiguan Newsletter is owned by BigOne Lab, a data-driven market research and information services company. Founded in 2016, BigOne Lab leverages alternative data to provide clients with insightful, objective, and actionable solutions.
Our data solutions currently cover more than 10 industries and 200,000+ businesses, spanning hundreds of business metrics. Our clients include 100+ investment funds, sovereign wealth funds, PE/VC investors, leading consulting companies, consumer companies and internet companies, among others.