(Jan 5): Alibaba Group Holding Ltd is launching a service to help restaurants use artificial intelligence (AI) to showcase interiors, part of a broader effort to compete with Meituan in the Chinese food and dining sector. Amap, Alibaba’s maps and local services unit, will soon allow restaurants to render 3D-images by just uploading videos or photos, according to people familiar with the matter. Chinese companies are increasingly experimenting with AI, to enhance existing businesses and carve out new markets. Amap’s latest initiative signals Alibaba’s effort to expand in a segment dominated by Meituan, the leader in food delivery, reviews and local services such as restaurant bookings. In 2025, China’s e-commerce leader committed dozens of billions of yuan in incentives and subsidies towards its most popular online services to vie with Meituan and JD.com Inc.

Source: The Edge Markets January 05, 2026 03:13 UTC