At Meituan's 2026 management communication session, CEO Wang Xing shared perspectives on artificial intelligence development. Wang stated that AI-driven transformations will significantly exceed those brought by the entire internet era. He illustrated that while mobile internet and traditional internet share fundamental similarities—comparable to roses and peonies—AI differs from internet technology as profoundly as monkeys differ from flowers, representing vastly greater magnitude and influence.

Wang emphasized that conventional expertise may become inadequate, while unconventional ideas from younger generations will continuously emerge. Regarding the AI wave, he asserted that proactive adoption remains the only viable approach. The executive revealed that AI Agents created stronger impact than ChatGPT, noting that having experienced the transition from internet to mobile internet, he can confidently state AI's changes will dwarf internet-era transformations. Wang predicted AI will inevitably generate massive productivity gains while fundamentally altering organizational structures and work patterns.

For Meituan specifically, Wang identified digitalization of the physical world as critically important AI infrastructure. He explained that although large language models grow increasingly intelligent, even Einstein serving as a secretary wouldn't know restaurant availability when making reservations—not an intelligence issue but an information gap. Public records show Meituan has launched multiple AI applications and self-developed large models. In 2025, the company announced intensified investments in real-world information infrastructure. Leveraging nationwide local lifestyle information systems, Meituan launched AI search product "Ask Xiaotuan" during this year's Spring Festival period.