Alibaba is preparing to introduce a major AI-driven shopping experience by integrating its Qwen AI platform with online marketplace Taobao. The move is expected to change how users search and shop online by replacing traditional keyword searches with conversational AI interactions.
According to a source familiar with the development, users will soon be able to browse, compare and purchase products directly through the Qwen app by chatting with the AI assistant instead of manually searching through product listings.
The integration will give the Qwen app access to the full Taobao and Tmall catalog, which includes more than 4 billion products. Alibaba is also building a “skills library” designed to handle logistics, customer support and after-sales services.
The AI platform will additionally provide shopping suggestions based on users’ previous orders and personal shopping preferences, creating a more personalised shopping experience.
Inside the Taobao platform, Alibaba is also set to launch a Qwen-powered AI shopping assistant. The assistant will include features such as virtual try-ons and 30-day price tracking tools to help users make better purchasing decisions.
Alibaba’s latest push highlights the growing difference between Chinese and Western e-commerce platforms in the use of artificial intelligence. In China, AI systems are increasingly being integrated directly into shopping and payment experiences.
In comparison, U.S.-based Amazon has mainly focused on using AI to improve shopping within its marketplace while remaining cautious about giving AI systems full autonomy. Meanwhile, Canada-based Shopify allows merchants to use external AI agents instead of operating a fully integrated consumer AI platform.
The development reflects Alibaba’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving AI and e-commerce market.
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