AI products popular among Chinese Spring Festival shoppers

More shoppers during this year's Spring Festival are spending on AI products, and the technology adds futuristic touches to festive activities in many cities.

In Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei, one of the world's largest electronics markets, AI- and AR-powered devices have become the hottest commodities for holiday shoppers.

Data from the past two months reveal that AI glasses, toys, and watches, alongside robots and drones, dominate the festival market and are bought both as gifts and for personal use.

"There are many varieties of AI translators and AI dog toys, all quite interesting and practical," said Zhang, a local consumer.

"We think AI products available now are quite good, and we're trying to select an AI watch for our parents," said Ren, another consumer.

During the Spring Festival season, overall tech product sales in Huaqiangbei have surged more than 30 percent compared to regular days. AI glasses have seen an explosive 80 percent increase in sales, while drones and robots have each jumped by 50 percent. The electronic market has also become a magnet for international visitors, with foreign tourists and merchant numbers nearly doubling year-over-year.

"I bought some AI glasses. It's easier - when we come here, it can help with translating," said a tourist from New Zealand.

"My first time experiencing the Chinese New Year in China. I really like it. AI is in everything right now. So many new things are being automated this year," said an Iranian tourist.

AI technology is also being incorporated into holiday celebrations. In Wuzhen, a historic water town in east China's Zhejiang Province, interactive robots and AI-powered light shows offered visitors a fresh travel experience.

"I feel a strong New Year vibe, and quite a contrast because the common impression of Wuzhen is a traditional southern water town. I didn't expect technology to blend in so naturally. It’s very festive with a strong tech vibe," said Gao Jiajia, a tourist from the neighboring Jiangsu Province.

China is now viewed more favorably than the United States in 25 of 36 countries and territories surveyed, a new Pew Research Center study found.

Views about China have significantly improved since 2023, while ratings for the U.S. have fallen, including among its traditional allies, according to the study released on Wednesday.

The shift marks the first time in roughly 20 years of Pew's global opinion polling that China has been seen more positively than the U.S., researchers said.