Alibaba's 1688 Launches AI Customization Product 'Xiangzao' for User Design and Ordering

Alibaba's 1688 platform is advancing an AI-powered product customization agent called Xiangzao for consumer-side users, currently embedded in the main 1688 platform. Users can complete the entire process from design creation and finished product preview to quote acquisition and one-click ordering through AI. Once an order is generated, the system automatically distributes it to production lines based on core factory elements such as raw materials, processes, and die-cutting templates, using AI intelligent conversion, eliminating the need for secondary processing by the factory.

Users input text descriptions of their needs, or upload brand logos and reference images, and the system quickly renders 3D product previews while displaying quotes from source factories. After completing the design, users can jump to order production with one click. For merchants that have registered their store names, the AI can directly generate a complete set of store packaging material solutions.

Currently, Xiangzao covers categories including tote bags, paper bags, T-shirts, disposable paper cups, cushions, pet tags, and cultural creative merchandise, addressing major needs such as tea shop materials, personal cultural products, corporate small gifts, and IP merchandise. These categories feature mature standardized base materials and low barriers to small-batch flexible production.

The domestic custom clothing market was estimated at nearly RMB 200 billion in 2022. Xiangzao targets not only clothing but also packaging paper bags, tote bags, cultural cups, cushions, anime merchandise, pet tags, and office culture materials across diverse scenarios.