China rolls out robots at tourist attractions to boost visitor experience

During Qingming, a traditional holiday when families honor their ancestors, tourists at several renowned attractions were surprised to see robots aiding climbers and interacting with guests.

The robots, with colorful designs and advanced features, have become attractions in their own right, especially among young visitors, Znews reported citing Chinese news outlet The Paper.

The surge in interest follows the viral rise of the "Six Little Dragons of Hangzhou," a group of tech startups, including AI firm DeepSeek and robotics company Unitree Robotics, that drew nationwide attention in late 2024. The trend coincides with national policy priorities outlined by the State Council, which call for greater application of emerging technologies and development of future-oriented industries. Once seen as novelties, robots have now become key drivers of innovation in cultural tourism, with widespread deployment at many places.

At Mount Tai, one of China’s most challenging climbs, the Taishan Cultural Tourism Group began testing wearable exoskeleton robots in January 2025. These lightweight devices use sensors to detect users’ movements and provide mechanical assistance to reduce fatigue.

For example, a three-hour ascent can be completed in half the time with robotic support. Demand has soared, prompting plans to expand their number to 500 by the May Day holiday.

A humanoid robot tour guide leads a group of tourists at a China's attraction site. Photo from X

Other popular sites have followed suit.

Mount Emei in Sichuan has begun trials of exoskeleton robots to enhance the hiking experience and support climbers on steep routes. At Yandang Mountain in Wenzhou, a humanoid robot and five robotic dogs were deployed to greet tourists, pose for photos and stage performances at popular spots.

Ye Jintao, deputy director of the Yandang Mountain tourism management, said the robot initiative includes three phases: introduction at major tourist sites to offer greetings and basic interaction, increasing features such as conversation, dancing, tea ceremonies, sword performances, and hiking assistance and finally developing branded robot characters based on local cultural themes and media to be featured in livestreams, short videos and immersive experiences.

Yandang’s program is part of a broader national strategy combining tourism, culture and robotics, which has been adopted in various locations across the country. In Beijing, the Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Area in Tongzhou District is trialing a multifunctional robot named Xiaoyu. It can conduct security patrols, detect fire and smoke, monitor plant health, and respond to emergencies with an SOS button for tourists.

As robots continue to reshape the landscape of tourism in China, they are offering visitors both practical support and futuristic experiences in some of the country's most iconic settings.