In early February, the Champs-Élysées in Paris hosted its annual Chinese New Year parade. Having been held for several years, the event has gradually become an important public activity for French society to learn about Chinese culture. This year’s parade expanded further, attracting approximately 100,000 citizens and tourists to watch along the street.
Unlike previous years, a Chinese humanoid robot participated in the parade for the first time, becoming one of the highlights of this year’s event. Developed by a Chinese company, the robot’s performance and choreography were completed with technical support from a French partner institution. During the parade, the robot moved steadily with the formations, performing pre-set actions such as waving, nodding, and turning, interacting with the audience along the route. This display not only sparked curiosity and attention from the audience but also gained widespread sharing on social media, becoming one of the most “modern” elements of the event.
Tech Meets Tradition
The robot was not merely presented as a technological exhibit but was integrated into the overall narrative of Chinese New Year culture, contrasting and echoing traditional folk performances. In an interview, the organizers stated, “This is not only a technology demonstration, but also a new attempt at cultural dialogue.” The introduction of technological elements enriched the Chinese New Year parade’s presentation, allowing the international public to experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture while also gaining a direct understanding of China’s achievements in robotics and intelligent manufacturing.
A New Bridge of Different Culture
The successful robot parade in Paris provided a novel and effective model for international cultural dissemination. This appearance reflected the pragmatic cooperation between China and France in science and technology and culture, and demonstrated China’s increased emphasis on innovative expression and public participation in international cultural exchanges. It also proved that using the globally recognized “language of technology” as a medium can effectively reduce cultural barriers and stimulate broader audience interest in Chinese culture. The audience generally gave positive feedback on the presentation of robots alongside traditional performances, believing that this format enhanced the parade’s appeal and contemporary feel. Experts indicated that as technological maturity and international cooperation continue to improve, the integration of high technology into cultural activities is expected to occur in more countries and on more occasions in the future.
