From robot-guided hikes to AI-powered museum tours, China’s tourism sector is embracing cutting-edge innovations to transform how visitors engage with cultural and natural landmarks. During the recent May Day holiday, travelers witnessed this tech-driven evolution firsthand, as attractions nationwide integrated robotics, drones, and virtual reality to create immersive experiences.
In Shichuan Ancient Pear Orchard, Gansu Province, agile robots developed by Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics navigated visitors through blooming pear groves, demonstrating advanced obstacle-avoidance capabilities. The same company gained widespread recognition following its humanoid robots’ performance during China’s 2025 Spring Festival Gala.
Nearby, Gaolan County’s agricultural museum used robots to interact with historical farming tools, offering a cross-temporal narrative that bridges China’s agricultural heritage with modern tech advancements. “Its movements were very flexible, and it seemed to be listening intently to me,” remarked visitor Zhang, who interacted with one robot. “It felt like communicating with a real person.”
Drones played dual roles—creating aerial light shows while monitoring crowd density, ensuring efficient safety management during peak travel periods. Analysts suggest such innovations signal broader shifts in Asia’s tourism sector, where technology enhances accessibility while preserving cultural authenticity.
