The breakout stars of China's 2026 Spring Festival Gala? Humanoid robots.

A year ago: handkerchief twirling.

This year: parkour, drunken fist, and nunchucks.

But this isn't just about performance.

From humanoid robotics to AI-powered virtual stages and 20,000 drones in the sky, the Gala offered a glimpse into China's accelerating innovation cycle – and the rise of China's new quality productive forces.