China Unveils Record-Breaking 504-Qubit Superconducting Quantum Computer “Tianyan-504”
China has achieved a new milestone in quantum computing with the launch of the “Tianyan-504” superconducting quantum computer, featuring a 504-qubit chip named “Xiaohong.” This development surpasses the 500-qubit threshold and positions China to rival leading international quantum platforms like IBM.
The “Xiaohong” chip was developed by the Center for Excellence in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and delivered to QuantumCTek Co., Ltd., a prominent quantum technology company in Anhui Province. According to Liang Futian, an associate professor at the center, the chip’s performance metrics are expected to align with those of leading cloud-enabled quantum computing platforms worldwide.
The “Tianyan-504” quantum computer will integrate with the “Tianyan” quantum computing cloud platform, providing global accessibility. Wang Zhen, deputy general manager of China Telecom Quantum Group, stated that the company will collaborate with QuantumCTek to develop a quantum computer powered by the new chip, enabling efficient research and practical applications in various fields.
This 504-qubit chip represents the largest qubit count in a superconducting quantum chip developed in China. It is designed to test QuantumCTek’s independently developed kilo-qubit measurement and control system, which, alongside the chip, forms the essential hardware for quantum computers. Key metrics of the “Xiaohong” chip, such as qubit lifetime, gate fidelity, and quantum circuit depth, are expected to match international standards. However, as Gong Ming, a researcher at CAS, explained, the chip primarily aims to advance large-scale measurement and control systems rather than focusing solely on quantum supremacy.
China remains the only nation to achieve quantum computational advantage through two major technological approaches: photonics quantum computing and superconducting quantum computing. This success includes developing “Jiuzhang 2.0” and “Zuchongzhi 2.1,” which feature 113 detected photons and 66 qubits, respectively.
Since its launch in November 2023, the “Tianyan” quantum computing cloud platform has recorded over 12 million visits from users in more than 50 countries, offering streamlined quantum computing services. Operated by China Telecom Quantum Group, established in May 2023, the platform underscores China’s focus on advancing quantum technology and fostering global collaboration.
The integration of the “Tianyan-504” quantum computer into the cloud platform signifies a pivotal step in China’s quantum computing journey, showcasing its commitment to innovation and its capacity to compete with global leaders like IBM in this rapidly evolving field.
