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Alibaba Integrates Qwen AI Into Taobao for Chat-Based Shopping

The rollout positions Alibaba to turn its chatbot into a transaction-ready agent inside its consumer apps.

Overview

  • Alibaba said shoppers can use the Qwen app to find, compare, and buy items from Taobao and Tmall’s four billion–item catalog by typing or speaking in plain language.
  • Taobao introduced a Qwen-powered assistant trained on product listings and customer reviews that offers virtual try-ons and a built-in price comparison tool.
  • Reuters reporting adds that the system taps a skills library that can handle logistics and after-sales requests such as tracking deliveries or arranging returns.
  • Some coverage says Qwen now links to other Alibaba services like Alipay for payments and Fliggy and Amap for booking and navigation so tasks finish inside the chat.
  • Analysts describe the move as a shift from keyword search to conversational shopping in China’s tightly integrated apps, which could shorten decisions and keep more transactions inside Alibaba’s ecosystem.