The Beijing Fair during the Lunar New Year offers a fascinating experience where millennial traditions intertwine with technological innovations. At the heart of this event, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a surprising role, contributing to the preservation of customs while experimenting with new forms of expression. Between robot demonstrations, electronic music, and dialogues with automatons, visitors discover a world where the past and the future coexist harmoniously.
Renewed Traditions
Every year, the Lunar New Year is an opportunity for the Chinese to gather around ancestral customs. The holidays, totaling eight days, are dedicated to family reunions, sharing hearty meals, and vibrant festivities such as dragon dances and incense burning. These rituals are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and continue to be celebrated with fervor at each lunar cycle.
The AI Temple Fair
Located in the affluent Haidian district, the “AI temple fair” stands out for its innovative approach to culture. It is here that one discovers how advancements in artificial intelligence can enrich folklore. Technology companies showcase machines capable of interacting with the public, blending entertainment and admiration.
A Robot God of Wealth
Among the notable attractions, an automaton embodying the Chinese god of wealth interacts with visitors, reminding them of the link between tradition and modernity. This mythological figure, dressed in a scarlet robe and sporting a well-groomed beard, wishes a happy new year while sharing tips for a healthy diet. Through this interaction, AI contributes to conveying cultural values while integrating contemporary elements.
The Dance of Mechanized Musicians
The Fair doesn’t stop there: mechanized musicians delight crowds with their electronic performances, accompanied by robotic arms executing traditional calligraphy on red paper. The art of calligraphy, a pillar of Eastern cultures, is reinterpreted by these mechanical arms that combine precision and innovation. This encounter between the old and the new fascinates visitors and offers a renewed view of traditional craftsmanship.
Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence
Interactions with AI provoke reflections among participants. Bai Song, an information technology professional, expresses his admiration for this fusion of elements: “Every era inevitably produces different things,” he states, acknowledging that AI, while it may change the professional landscape, also opens up unprecedented opportunities. In a country where social security is taken into account, the transition to AI is often perceived as an evolution to which the state adapts.
A Developing Reality
China positions itself as a global leader in several technological segments, with a clear ambition to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence by the end of the decade. Companies like DeepSeek introduce impactful conversational robots that compete with established players like ChatGPT while offering cost-effective solutions. This dynamic stimulates a competitive environment ready to redefine the standards of AI.
Robots with Varied Capabilities
At the fair, robots demonstrate diverse abilities, from the most impressive to the most awkward. An automaton, designed to mimic human movements, proves somewhat clumsy in its exercise, eliciting laughter while sharing the achievements of technological progress. Sophia Wu, a housewife, expresses her desire to have a robot to lighten her daily tasks. This aspiration illustrates a growing acceptance of AI in everyday life.
A Celebration between Tradition and Future
At the Beijing Fair, the New Year is truly a themed event, celebrating the transition to the new year by marrying tradition and future. From brilliantly executed robot choreographies to user-friendly technology exhibitions, every element contributes to an immersive experience that bridges the gap between the past and the future. The performances, although sometimes eccentric, remind us that innovation can flourish within a rich cultural backdrop steeped in history.
Perspectives on a Harmonious Future
As technologies evolve at breakneck speed, the coexistence of traditional practices and advancements in AI offers a vision of a universe where culture and technology can go hand in hand. The fair illustrates that the arrival of AI does not necessarily mean the disappearance of traditions, but rather a tomorrow where both worlds enrich each other, redefining the means of expression and celebration of Chinese customs.