A lifelike robotic horse adorned in traditional red Lunar New Year attire has become the star attraction at Beijing's Wangfujing shopping district this week. The animatronic creation, programmed with fluid movements and interactive capabilities, has been greeting visitors with raised hooves in a gesture reminiscent of festive blessings as the Year of the Horse approaches.
Shoppers captured videos of the mechanical marvel nuzzling children's hands and responding to voice commands with precise head tilts. "It combines our cultural symbols with cutting-edge technology in a way that feels both familiar and futuristic," said Shanghai-based tourist Li Wei, who witnessed the display on February 14.
The installation forms part of Beijing's push to integrate smart technologies into public spaces while preserving cultural traditions. As Lunar New Year celebrations peak on February 17, similar tech-driven displays have appeared in commercial hubs across the Chinese mainland, blending seasonal motifs with artificial intelligence applications.
