People — and robots — are getting ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year in China

China is preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year with traditional festivities enhanced by robotic participants across the country as the ancient festival embraces modern technology. As families gather for reunion dinners and communities prepare for parades and temple fairs, an increasing number of robots are being deployed to assist with celebrations, serve guests, and perform traditional dances with mechanical precision. Major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have announced that service robots will be deployed in shopping malls and transportation hubs to assist with the massive holiday travel movement, while entertainment venues are featuring robotic performers in traditional dragon and lion dances. This technological integration represents China's commitment to innovation while maintaining cultural traditions, with officials noting that the robotic participants are designed to complement rather than replace human elements of the celebrations. The blend of ancient customs with cutting-edge technology has been met with enthusiasm by many citizens who see it as a symbol of China's progress while honoring its rich cultural heritage.