China has surpassed 1.12 billion internet users by June 2025, with rapid growth in rural and elderly access, according to a new CNNIC report.

Internet Penetration Reaches Record High

China has officially crossed a major digital milestone, with more than 1.12 billion internet users recorded by June 2025, according to a report from the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC). The report highlighted that the country’s internet penetration rate has now reached 79.7%, marking a 1.1 percentage point increase compared with December 2024.

This achievement underlines the sweeping digital transformation China has undergone during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025), a time when inclusivity and accessibility have become key priorities in the country’s technology agenda.

Expanding Access for Elderly and Rural Residents

A significant focus of China’s internet expansion has been extending connectivity to demographics often left behind in the digital revolution. By June 2025, the number of internet users aged 60 and above reached 161 million, while rural internet users numbered 322 million.

Penetration among these groups has grown considerably, with 52% of elderly citizens and 69.2% of rural residents now connected. Analysts say this push has not only reduced the digital divide but also created opportunities for new industries catering to previously underserved groups.

The Role of the Internet in Promoting Chinese Culture

The CNNIC report also emphasised how the internet has become a powerful tool for cultural promotion both at home and abroad. Online literature, gaming, and digital media exports have expanded China’s global influence while deepening the link between culture and tourism.

One striking example is the overseas success of online Chinese literature. In 2024, the international market for Chinese digital literature surpassed 5 billion yuan (approximately 700 million US dollars). Today, Chinese online novels and stories reach more than 200 countries and regions, attracting over 350 million readers worldwide.

In addition, popular online series and games have fostered cultural tourism, with fans travelling to filming sites and destinations showcased in digital content. This synergy is credited with boosting both local economies and China’s soft power globally.

A Digital Future Anchored in Inclusivity

China’s achievement of surpassing 1.12 billion internet users signals not just scale, but also depth of transformation. By focusing on inclusivity for rural communities and older citizens, the country has shown how digital infrastructure can be a tool for both economic growth and social integration.

As the 14th Five-Year Plan draws to a close, the figures point to a future where China’s digital economy continues to expand while also shaping global cultural trends. With over 1.12 billion people now online, China is not only the world’s largest internet market but also a testbed for how technology can reshape societies on an unprecedented scale.