Advanced AI-embodied robots were among the most eye-catching and spectacular performers during China's 2026 Spring Festival Gala on Monday evening, dazzling audiences with their innovative stage presence and impressive physical abilities.
Hosted by the China Media Group (CMG), the Spring Festival Gala shone a spotlight on China's latest tech innovations, with the achievements made by the country's fast-growing robotics sector being heavily featured at various points during the hours-long entertainment extravaganza.
Humanoid robots were seen performing martial arts routines, taking part in comedy sketches and participating in a whole host of other creative performances during the live television broadcast.
One of the most memorable moments saw a group of humanoids team up with young Kung Fu artists to deliver a knockout martial arts performance, with choreographed stunts and synchronized moves delivering a breathtaking stage segment.
Elsewhere, robots were seen showcasing off their skills in folding clothes and even in rolling walnuts -- a traditional Chinese hand exercise which aims to boost health and dexterity.
The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional holiday for the Chinese people, and watching the Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan," is a cherished part of the celebrations every year in hundreds of millions of Chinese homes.
Since first being broadcast in 1983, the gala has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the most-watched annual television program on the planet.
The Spring Festival itself was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024.
The 2026 Spring Festival falls on Tuesday this year, ushering in the Year of the Horse.
Humanoid robots steal the show during China's 2026 Spring Festival Gala
