Alibaba has officially upgraded the domain for its large language model "Tongyi Qianwen" (通义千问), switching fromTongyi.aito the more globally recognizedTongyi.com. This move reflects a broader trend among tech giants consolidating their online presence under.comdomains.

As of now, visits totongyi.aiare automatically redirected totongyi.com, with a pop-up notification stating: “From today, Tongyi’s official website will use tongyi.com. The previous domain tongyi.ai will no longer be active.”
This shift highlights Alibaba’s ongoing efforts to enhance its global brand presence and align its platform with international web standards.
According to public records, Alibaba acquiredtongyi.aifor approximately $15,000 and launched it on August 19, 2024, as the official site for its AI product. At the time, it marked a key milestone in Alibaba’s AI strategy. However, less than a year later, the company is now doubling down on global positioning by adopting a.comdomain.

From a branding perspective,tongyi.comoffers significantly higher value thantongyi.ai. Not only does it provide stronger global recognition, but it also helps establish a more professional and trustworthy image among international users—especially crucial in today’s hyper-competitive AI market.
This move also echoes Google’s recent decision to standardize its global search access undergoogle.com, further underscoring the enduring dominance of the.comextension. Compared to newer alternatives like.ai, the.comTLD continues to offer superior user familiarity, SEO weight, and commercial credibility worldwide.
For any AI brand aiming to go global, securing a.comdomain isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic necessity.
Alibaba’s domain switch is a strong reminder: when it comes to long-term brand value and international reach,.comis still king.