Cities across the Chinese mainland have lit up this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations with a surge of smart technology. From October 1 to 8, smart robots and drones took center stage, adding a vibrant, futuristic twist to traditional performances.
In Shenzhen city, a tech hub in Guangdong Province, humanoid robots dazzled audiences by transforming into dancers after dark. These machines performed the Yingge dance – a Guangdong folk tradition that blends opera, dance and martial arts – with precise, agile movements. Later, a synchronized troupe of robots executed the iconic "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" choreography, creating a hypnotic wave of mechanical grace.
Another humanoid showcased a popular dance routine, moving with such fluidity that children in the crowd couldn't resist stepping in. "I find the robot quite agile, especially its feet and hands. Dancing alongside the robot brings me joy," said Gan Zixuan, an audience member, smartphone in hand to capture every twist and turn.
Beyond the stage, drones also joined the festivities, adding a striking aerial element that complemented the ground-level performances and underlined how technology is reshaping cultural experiences.
For young global citizens and tech enthusiasts alike, these robot-and-drone shows highlight a growing trend: the fusion of heritage and innovation. As cities across the Chinese mainland experiment with automation in entertainment, they offer a glimpse of how future festivals might look – where culture and technology dance in perfect harmony.
Reference(s):
Chinese cities showcase smart robots, drones in National Day shows
cgtn.com
