The trip’s timing—arriving to join annual celebrations with Nvidia’s China-based staff—is considered routine. Huang is scheduled to attend a company event in Shanghai on Saturday before traveling to Beijing, Shenzhen and Taiwan, another source familiar with the itinerary said.
Nvidia, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, did not respond to requests for comment. Chinese news outlet Tencent News first reported Huang’s presence in Shanghai on Friday.
Huang has maintained frequent visits to China, traveling to the country at least three times last year. In July, he met with China’s commerce minister, underscoring Nvidia’s ongoing engagement with Chinese officials.
The company is awaiting Beijing’s decision on whether to allow sales of its high-end H200 artificial intelligence chip to Chinese customers—a move already cleared by U.S. authorities.
Reuters reported earlier this month that Chinese officials have instructed customs agents that the H200 chip is not permitted to enter China. Sources said it was unclear whether this represented a formal ban or a temporary restriction.
The H200, Nvidia’s second most powerful AI chip, has become a central point of tension in U.S.-China relations. Chinese demand for the chip remains strong, but Beijing’s long-term intentions are uncertain. Authorities may be weighing an outright ban to support domestic chipmakers, considering temporary restrictions, or using the H200 as leverage in broader negotiations with Washington.