China Marks Lunar New Year 2026 in Beijing with Temple Prayers and Robot Performances
en01.web.id – Beijing. Millions of people across China celebrated the Lunar New Year on Tuesday (Feb. 17, 2026), marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse with traditional temple prayers, cultural festivals, and modern robot performances. The main celebrations took place in Beijing, where residents gathered in large numbers to observe centuries-old customs that symbolize renewal, prosperity, and family unity.
The chronology of events began on the evening of Monday, February 16, 2026, when families across Beijing held reunion dinners inside their homes. This long-standing tradition, known as the reunion meal, is considered the most important family gathering of the year. As midnight approached, fireworks and firecrackers were set off throughout residential neighborhoods and public spaces, officially marking the transition into the Lunar New Year at exactly 12:00 a.m. local time on February 17.
By early Tuesday morning, thousands of residents had already formed long lines outside major temples, including the historic Yonghe Temple in Beijing. Starting at around 5:00 a.m., worshippers entered temple grounds to burn incense and offer prayers, hoping for health, success, and good fortune in the year ahead. Authorities deployed security personnel and crowd control measures to ensure public safety as attendance surged throughout the day.
In addition to religious rituals, large-scale public celebrations were organized in major urban centers. In Shanghai, robot performances became one of the main attractions. Humanoid robots were seen dancing, greeting visitors, and participating in cultural shows. These performances were organized by local technology companies in coordination with municipal authorities as part of the official Lunar New Year program.
China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China confirmed in its official release dated February 17, 2026, that Lunar New Year remains the country’s most important traditional festival. Hu Heping, Minister of Culture and Tourism of China, stated in the ministry’s announcement that the celebration reflects the continuation of Chinese cultural heritage while also highlighting the integration of modern innovation into traditional festivities.
The ministry explained that preparations for the celebration had begun weeks earlier, with citizens cleaning their homes, decorating streets with red lanterns, and purchasing holiday goods. Public venues, parks, and commercial districts were decorated in advance to create a festive atmosphere. The government also coordinated with local authorities and private sectors to organize cultural exhibitions and technology-based performances.
Transportation authorities reported a significant increase in travel nationwide during the holiday period, as millions of people returned to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. Special travel schedules were implemented across railways, highways, and airports to accommodate the surge. Officials described the annual Lunar New Year migration as one of the largest recurring human movements in the world.
The Lunar New Year celebrations will continue for 15 days and conclude with the Lantern Festival in early March 2026. Officials said the 2026 celebration demonstrates how China continues to preserve its traditional customs while embracing modern technology, reflecting both its historical identity and its ongoing technological development.
Tim Redaksi
(rd/ks/jk)