Abstract: This article systematically reviews the evolution of the Internet in China over the past 30 years, elucidating the exploration, formation, and development of the Internet development path with Chinese characteristics. China has adhered to an inclusive and symbiotic Internet development philosophy, forming a diverse and balanced Internet system and embarking on a uniquely Chinese way of Internet governance. Key characteristics of the Chinese Internet, such as technology-driven initiatives and industrial innovation, have become significant manifestations of this unique path. The paper summarizes the achievements and contributions of the Chinese Internet while also pointing out the major challenges China faces in the future. It aims to provide beneficial references for the high-quality development and innovative of the Chinese Internet.

Key words: Thirty years of the internet in China, Chinese characteristics, Internet philosophy, Internet governance, Internet industry