During the ongoing annual Spring Festival holiday, Beijing has hosted its first-ever Spring Festival Tech Fair, featuring the involvement of over 70 artificial intelligence (AI) companies and 100 interactive robot displays, offering locals and tourists a unique, tech-infused holiday experience.
The event, held in a bustling shopping mall in Haidian District in the northwestern part of the capital city, features a robot band that amazes crowds with its musical performance, drawing significant attention from both locals and tourists.
The fair also integrates traditional Chinese customs, with robots writing Spring Festival couplets, and captivating performances of robot Beijing Opera and face-changing acts.
"There is strong Chinese New Year atmosphere here. I've taken my grandson here, as it's a great way to inspire his interest in science and technology," said Ms. Wang, a Beijing resident.
Huang Ying, director of the Cultural and Tourism Bureau of Haidian District, said the event has been held in a bid to let people feel the convenience brought by modern technologies.
"Through this event, we wish to encourage people to experience and use technologies, and feel how technology enriches our life and bring us joyfulness," she said.
Throughout the venue, robots have been deployed in various roles, including as greeters, delivery assistants, and performers.
Visitors have been treated to playful interactions with robot pets, while robotic systems serve snacks, with machines providing french fries and ice-cream.
As scheduled, the AI fair will run till the sixth day of the Chinese New Year, which is also next Monday, offering families and technology enthusiasts more time to enjoye the advanced techs.
The annual Spring Festival marks the start of a Chinese New Year. This year's Spring Festival holiday season runs from January 28 to February 4.
New technology, tradition blend at Spring Festival AI Fair in Beijing
