Shanghai will issue the first demonstrative operation licenses for driverless intelligent connected vehicles at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-level Meeting on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence (WAIC 2025), paving the way for commercial robotaxi services in designated areas of the city. During the event, which will open on Saturday, driverless cars will be available for short-haul rides between key metro stations including Shibo Avenue and the China Art Museum. Ahead of the event, media personnel were given early access to test rides. Reporters described the vehicles as "seasoned," noting their smooth navigation during turns, lane changes, and pedestrian interactions. Pudong enacted China's first regulation for driverless intelligent connected vehicles in 2023 to promote the industry's orderly development. This year's conference will mark the transition from "pilot application" to "demonstration operation," supported by comprehensive data assessments. Shotlist: Shanghai, China - Recent: 1. Button on screen to start autonomous driving journey; 2. Various of self-driving vehicle traveling on street; 3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Wu Hao, official, commission of technology and economy of Pudong District (starting with shot 2): "Safety officers must go through rigorous tests, and we have emergency response plans. In case of temporary traffic controls or emergencies, our safety officer will control the vehicle after a remote evaluation."; 4. Various of self-driving vehicles traveling on street; 5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Lin Yu, general manager, Shanghai Jinqiao Intelligent Connected Vehicle Development Co., Ltd. (ending with shot 6): "According to regulations, every vehicle must go through a test of no less than 5,000 kilometers, and the manual takeover should be less than one time every 100 kilometers. Among vehicles of these companies, some vehicles have driven more than 10,000 kilometers and the takeover rate is below 0.1 times per 100 kilometers. So the safety has been verified. After the demonstrative operation licenses are granted this year, commercial services will be permitted."; 6. Self-driving vehicle traveling; 7. Sign showing autonomous driving testing zone at WAIC 2025; 8. Car dashboard; 9. Self-driving vehicle on street. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]