The fifth day of the first month on the traditional Chinese calendar – known as Po Wu – marks a symbolic turning point of Spring Festival celebrations, when early New Year taboos are lifted and people welcome Caishen, the Chinese God of Wealth. It is a day closely associated with prosperity, celebrated by enjoying steaming hot dumplings, the ingot-like shape of which represents wealth and good fortune for the year ahead.
A robot Chinese God of Wealth is pictured writing blessing characters at the 2026 Dadu Spring Festival Temple Fair in Beijing on February 20, 2026. (Photo: VCG)
Children pose for photos while holding the Chinese character "fu" – meaning good fortune – written by a robot Chinese God of Wealth at the 2026 Dadu Spring Festival Temple Fair in Beijing on February 20, 2026. (Photo: VCG)
At the 2026 Dadu Spring Festival Temple Fair in Beijing, this age-old tradition took on a futuristic twist. A humanoid robot dressed as Caishen appeared at the fair, holding a calligraphy brush and writing the Chinese character "fu" – meaning good fortune – for visitors, blending cutting-edge technology with festive Chinese culture.
A robot Chinese God of Wealth is pictured at the 2026 Dadu Spring Festival Temple Fair in Beijing on February 20, 2026. (Photo: VCG)
A robot Chinese God of Wealth is pictured at the 2026 Dadu Spring Festival Temple Fair in Beijing on February 20, 2026. (Photo: VCG)
The temple fair is underway from February 17 to 23 at the China National Convention Center, showcasing how tradition and innovation can come together to welcome prosperity in the new year.