In pics: Tech brings smiles and surprises to China's National Day holidaymakers

This year's bumper eight-day holiday that combines China's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival has seen a travel boom with technology playing an increasingly central role in tourism. New activities are emerging, as the deep integration of technology and art offers more choices for travelers and delivers immersive experiences.

As travelers seek to immerse themselves in culture beyond sightseeing, technology is reshaping the tourism landscape, enabling the most interactive experiences to date.

Following the phenomenal success of Black Myth: Wukong, Shanxi's Tiefo Temple scenic spot, featured in the game, has become a top destination for National Day holidaymakers, with its Mixed Reality (MR) exhibition hall pulling large crowds.

Through MR technology, visitors can view life-sized 3D reconstructions of the sculptures and appreciate their intricate craftsmanship up close. According to the project's curators, high-precision data collection and industrial-scale digital modeling were used to preserve the temple's ancient architecture and sculptures. The digital assets can also find application in documentaries, online exhibitions, game development and cultural-creative design.

Across China, historic towns are also embracing VR technology to attract visitors. In Tancheng in Linyi, Shandong, tourists can explore intangible cultural heritage crafts, enjoy traditional performances, interact with real-life storybook characters, and play VR games – turning a traditional scenic area into a lively holiday playground.

Technology is also lighting up night skies. In Qionglai, Sichuan, the riverside town staged a grand light and water show that blended the folk art of "iron-flower" with cutting-edge projection art, creating a visual spectacle of culture-meets-high-tech.

Meanwhile in Chongqing, a synchronized drone show combining fireworks painted the skyline with vibrant images symbolizing reunion and good fortune, delighting festival crowds.

Robots have also become a popular attraction during this year's holiday. Following the success of the The World Humanoid Robot Games held in Beijing in August, droids are increasingly interacting with the public in everyday settings.

On October 1, a robot-run retail shop at Beijing's Summer Palace drew long lines as robots served tourists, adding a futuristic highlight to the historic site.

In Chengdu, the "Robots Dance for National Day" performance was held on Thursday. The humanoid robot "Xiaoyu" greeted the public and joined in activities such as robotic lion dancing, sugar-painting, AI photo art, and man-machine chess matches, bringing smiles and surprises to visitors of all ages.

From mixed-reality temples to drone fireworks and robotic performers, this National Day holiday shows how technology and culture are merging to redefine travel in China. By weaving innovation into heritage, China's tourism industry is setting new trends for the world to experience its living traditions.