Baidu AI Cloud — Yanqi Lake Data Center

Baidu’s Yanqi Lake AI Cloud data center in Yanqing District, Beijing, is one of China’s largest purpose-built AI training facilities. The facility powers training of Baidu’s ERNIE (文心) family of large language models, which compete with GPT-4 in the Chinese market. The campus uses a combination of Baidu’s in-house Kunlun AI chips and NVIDIA GPUs (pre-export restriction era procurement). Baidu has invested heavily in its own silicon — the Kunlun 2 chip — to reduce dependence on US GPU imports. The data center also supports Baidu’s autonomous driving division (Apollo) and its AI-powered search infrastructure.