As China celebrates the 2026 Spring Festival and ushers in the Year of the Horse, centuries-old folk customs are unfolding alongside dazzling technological displays, reflecting a dynamic fusion of heritage and innovation.
In Chun’an county of Zhejiang province, more than 200 performers gathered at a waterfront tourist dock ahead of the Lunar New Year to stage the largest-ever showcase of Bamboo Horse Dancing. Dressed in traditional costumes, dancers tied colorful cloth-covered “horses” made from bamboo frames around their waists, prancing and leaping in rhythmic unison to festive music.
The horse, one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, represents speed, perseverance and vitality. Organizers said the event brought together bamboo horse troupes from across the county, with hundreds of performances scheduled in villages and townships throughout the holiday period.
Chun’an Bamboo Horse Dancing dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279) and was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage item in 2014. Pan Yongxia, director of the Chun’an county cultural center, said the art form has evolved from small five-person acts into large square dances involving participants of all ages. By incorporating modern elements such as street dance, organizers aim to make the tradition more accessible to younger generations.
Fang Bingkun, an 86-year-old former representative inheritor of the dance, emphasized the importance of balancing preservation and innovation. Over seven decades, he has documented traditional techniques while refining formations to make the dance easier to learn and perform.
While folk traditions thrived in eastern China, southern tech hub Shenzhen in Guangdong staged a futuristic tribute to the Year of the Horse. At the Window of the World theme park, around 200,000 spectators watched a massive drone light show illuminate the night sky.
Thousands of drones formed animated scenes of galloping horses, complete with flowing manes, hoof prints and the Chinese character for “horse,” synchronized with drumbeats and sound effects. According to Xinhua, the drone fleet used advanced positioning technology capable of centimeter- or even millimeter-level accuracy, allowing tens of thousands of units to move in precise coordination while algorithms compensated in real time for any visual gaps.
The show drew praise from younger audiences who shared livestreams and short videos on social media, citing its immersive 3D effects and eco-friendly design compared with traditional fireworks. Elderly spectators also welcomed the quieter, smoke-free display, saying the inclusion of familiar cultural symbols such as lion dances and the character “Fu” (blessing) preserved the festive spirit.
The drone show was organized by Shenzhen DAMODA Intelligent Control Technology Co., which said its performances have been staged in more than 100 Chinese cities and over 50 countries and regions worldwide. The company plans further upgrades to enhance image clarity and integrate drone shows into cultural tourism and the night-time economy.
Across the country, the Spring Festival now reflects a harmonious coexistence of old and new from posting red couplets and solving lantern riddles to AI-powered gala performances and robotic service booths at temple fairs. Together, these celebrations carry forward enduring traditions while embracing technological transformation in the spirit of the horse.
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