Hangzhou was approved as a National Pilot Area for the Innovative Development of New-Generation Artificial Intelligence, according to a document released by the Ministry of Science and Technology on Oct 17.

The document states that Hangzhou needs to focus on national strategies and its social and economic growth needs in order to develop new ways of boosting the development of artificial intelligence.

The ministry has urged Hangzhou to deliver on its responsibility to lead the digital transformation of Zhejiang province and contribute to the integration of the Yangtze River Delta region. 

Hangzhou needs to take full advantage of its strengths and step up efforts in basic research on artificial intelligence and the development of key AI technologies. 

The ministry also said that the city needs to update its mechanisms and build a favorable environment for the development of AI technology.

According to the document, the Ministry of Science and Technology will support the city's development of AI technology and periodically review the city's AI achievements. 

In addition to Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Hefei, and Tianjin were also approved as pilot areas for AI.