Following the 2023 block of the U.S.-based platform Hugging Face by Chinese regulators, domestic alternatives have emerged to serve local developers. Alibaba launched ModelScope in 2022, while OSChina introduced MoArk in 2023. These platforms provide services such as model testing and customization, offering free usage alongside paid options for advanced features and computing power.
The scale of these domestic platforms remains smaller than their international counterparts. ModelScope reports hosting over 170,000 models with 250 million users, and MoArk hosts more than 20,000 models. In comparison, Hugging Face hosts over 3 million open models. Chinese developers often prefer Hugging Face for its variety, despite the need for VPNs to bypass restrictions.
The Chinese government views domestic platforms as more secure and less susceptible to U.S. regulatory risks. To support the local ecosystem, MoArk has assigned engineers to adapt AI models for Chinese-made chips, addressing the shortage of computing power caused by U.S. export bans on advanced AI hardware.
ModelScope is actively working to attract users through initiatives such as university hackathons and the operation of a coworking space for AI entrepreneurs in Hangzhou. Despite these efforts, industry participants note that domestic platforms must still demonstrate their value to compete with the global default status of platforms like Hugging Face and GitHub.
