China's internet user base has reached a staggering 1.092 billion as of December 2023, according to a report by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC). This translates to nearly 78 percent of the country's total population being online.

The report highlights the critical role of the "dual gigabit" network – a combination of optical fiber and 5G technology – in powering China's digital economy. This robust infrastructure boasts over 68,000 32-bit IPv6 blocks, more than 20 million ".cn" domain names, and an impressive 337 million 5G base stations covering urban areas across all city and county levels.

Beyond expanding reach, the report emphasizes China's efforts in making the internet more inclusive. Over 2,500 websites and mobile apps have been updated with accessibility features to cater to senior citizens. Additionally, over 140 million smartphones and TVs have been equipped with elderly-friendly interfaces.

The surge in online services reflects China's economic recovery. Notably, online car hailing services saw a significant rise in users, reaching 90 million by the end of 2023, a year-on-year increase of 20.7 percent. Similarly, online medical services witnessed a 14.2 percent annual growth, accumulating over 51 million users.

The report further indicates a growing preference for domestic brands among online shoppers. Over 58.3 percent of online shoppers have purchased trendy products from domestic brands in the past six months, highlighting a shift in consumer behavior.