ChatGLM

ChatGLM, branded domestically as 智谱清言 (Zhipu Qingyan), is the flagship conversational AI platform developed by Zhipu AI. It operates in the generalist AI assistant category, competing with both international models like GPT-4 and domestic Chinese alternatives such as Doubao and Kimi. The service is built around the GLM-5.1 model family, which the company positions as an “Agentic” system capable of handling long-horizon tasks with up to eight hours of continuous, independent execution without human intervention.

Unlike a simple chatbot, ChatGLM bundles multiple specialized production tools into a single web interface. Users can switch between research mode for deep report synthesis, PPT mode for automated slide generation, data analysis for dataset visualization, creative poster design, lightweight web application building, and a Beta document reader that extracts insights from uploads. The platform also promotes AgentMore, a system that lets users assemble dedicated AI expert teams that run in parallel around the clock and integrate directly into WeChat and Feishu (Lark). Zhipu AI further signals an open-source commitment through a footer link referencing open-source models, though the hosted ChatGLM.cn service itself is a managed, proprietary product offering cloud knowledge base connections and local file upload support.

Because the entire experience is served through chatglm.cn and optimized for the Chinese market, it naturally aligns with local compliance, payment, and messaging ecosystems. This makes it a convenient choice for mainland China-based users, government offices, and local enterprises that want advanced agentic capabilities without relying on overseas infrastructure or navigating cross-border latency and data-sovereignty concerns.

Users interact with ChatGLM primarily through the web interface at chatglm.cn. The main canvas accepts plain-text prompts, cloud knowledge base selections, and local file uploads. Below the input bar, a control toolbar lets users toggle reasoning depth (思考), live web search (联网), and agent execution (Agent), or start a fresh conversation. A top-level mode switcher changes the behavior of the GLM-5.1 engine to specialized workflows: research mode for multi-step investigation, PPT mode for presentation generation, data analysis for charting and statistics, creative poster for visual assets, web app for simple interactive programs, and document reading for file Q&A. Each mode reshapes the prompt pipeline and available output templates without forcing the user to leave the page.

When a user activates the agent or research mode, GLM-5.1 plans and executes autonomously. According to the product messaging, it can maintain context and task state for up to eight hours, performing iterative steps such as searching, summarizing, drafting, and refining without constant user prompts. For team scenarios, the AgentMore layer allows a user to configure multiple AI experts, assign them distinct roles, and let them work in parallel. These agents can be summoned directly inside WeChat or Feishu conversations through one-click integration, removing the need to switch between a browser and chat apps.

Output formats vary by mode: research produces structured reports, PPT mode yields slide decks, data analysis returns visualizations, and creative poster mode generates campaign-ready images. A Beta document reader parses uploaded files to answer specific questions, though its accuracy should be verified before production use. Users can also save and share agent configurations via links or QR codes, as suggested by the share link and download card options visible in the interface.