Shanghai Maqiao AI Innovation Pilot Zone stands as China’s pioneering new city fully embracing AI technology, with the objective of catalyzing regional transformation through innovation and aspiring to become a global leader in AI urban development. Situated in the southwestern part of Shanghai’s Minhang District, this pilot zone encompasses the entire lifecycle of AI applications—from planning and design to construction and operation—exploring the integration of intelligent production, living, and ecological systems. By establishing an urban brain system, the Maqiao District achieves intelligent urban governanceGovernance, enhancing residents’ quality of life through AI-driven scenarios while ensuring sustainable green development. Furthermore, the pilot zone has attracted numerous enterprises and academic institutions, fostering the aggregation and technological advancement of the AI industry. Shanghai Maqiao not only serves as a model for AI innovation in China but also offers valuable insights for global smart city initiatives.