Robots play their part in China’s Spring Festival

Across China, technological innovation has become an integral part of traditional Spring Festival celebrations during the Year of the Horse. Various regions have incorporated advanced robotics into their festive activities, creating unique intersections of ancient culture and modern technology.

In Shenzhen’s Window of the World theme park, Unitree robots captivated audiences with precisely choreographed martial arts demonstrations and traditional dance performances on February 17, 2026. These humanoid machines moved with remarkable grace and synchronization, showcasing the significant advancements in robotic mobility and programming.

Meanwhile, in the historic Xidi village within Yixian county, Huangshan city, another robotic demonstration took place on February 18, 2026. Here, a specialized calligraphy robot meticulously wrote the Chinese character “Fu,” meaning blessing or good fortune—a traditional practice during Lunar New Year celebrations. This fusion of ancient cultural symbolism with cutting-edge technology provided both locals and tourists with a memorable experience.

The integration of robotics into China’s most important traditional festival reflects the country’s rapid technological advancement and its application in cultural preservation and tourism enhancement. These robotic displays have drawn substantial crowds to ancient towns, historic streets, and various tourist attractions that have been bustling with visitors during the holiday period.

This technological incorporation represents a growing trend where artificial intelligence and robotics are being deployed to enhance cultural experiences while maintaining traditional elements. The successful implementation of these robotic performances demonstrates their potential for broader applications in entertainment, tourism, and cultural preservation sectors.