Alibaba pledges to turn Xiongan into 'prototyped smart city'

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd announced on Wednesday it has entered the Xiongan New Area, pledging to use novel technologies and applications to turn it into a 'prototyped smart city'.

It is the first internet company to settle in the new hub announced by the government in April to serve the 'non-capital' functions of Beijing.

Alibaba will pour resources in cloud computing, big data, smart logistics, financial technology and e-commerce to bolster Xiongan's development, the company said in a statement.

"Our purpose is not to do business in Xiongan, but to bring our technological prowess and innovation resources to build it into a prototyped city of the future and a model for all Chinese cities," said Jack Ma, chairman of Alibaba.

Three affiliates, including its fintech, technology and logistics arms, have completed industrial and commercial registration in the city, Alibaba said.

Under the collaboration, Xiongan is expected to feature smart metering, intelligent parking, and cashier-less supermarkets.