On February 19, a group of robots weaved through the Ming and Qing-era Ancient Lane in Yiyang, not only delivering dynamic song and dance performances but also interacting with tourists for photos, igniting the atmosphere. "I didn't expect them to be so agile and even greet us. It was great fun," said Li Yi, a tourist from Hubei Province.

The "Ten Thousand Horses Spring Revelry" China-chic Folk Parade was equally splendid. The parade lineup included groups in ancient costumes, interactive groups for visitors, and intangible cultural heritage folk troupes, forming a moving folk scene along the lane. The scenic area set up a "Hundred Horses Opening the Way" visitor participation segment, where tourists wearing traditional Hanfu or distinctive ethnic costumes experienced the scene firsthand, recreating the joyous spectacle of "Ten Thousand Horses Galloping to Greet the New Spring".

From the Little New Year (Xiaonian, the 23rd or 24th day of the 12th lunar month) to the 20th day of the first lunar month, the Ming and Qing-era Ancient Lane Scenic Spot launched the 2026 "Galloping Steeds, a New Wave in the Ancient Lane" Spring Festival Hundred-Show Series. The scenic area presented 30 to 40 rotating performances daily, ensuring entertainment and excitement every day and night. Diverse Spring Festival activities were spectacular, including the "Galloping Horses Greeting Spring" Themed Lantern Fair, "A Succession of Operas" Cultural Performance Series and the "Ancient Alley Meets Modern Tech" Robot Show. Besides, exciting events such as the  China-chic folk parade, the intangible cultural heritage crafts and creative goods bazaar, and the food carnival filled the air with festive spirit, blending ancient charm with new trends and tradition with technology.

At the Yueming Tower's Stage, the "A Succession of Operas" public-benefit cultural activities were performed in succession. The series included the "Galloping to Welcome the God of Wealth" fun flash mob, the Year of the Horse-themed music party, a shadow puppet show special titled "Talking About Horses in the Year of the Horse", and the "Flying Dragons and Horses" aerial show with special effects. As of February 19, the scenic area received over 60, 000 tourist visits per day on average during the Spring Festival holiday.

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.  

Translator: Pang Yuehui

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn