On the morning of Feb. 12, a group of robotic actors took the stage at the Dameisha Wish Tower in Yantian District, delivering captivating performances of hip-hop, tai chi, kung fu, and calligraphy. The event marked the unveiling of the world’s first robot theater, just in time for Chinese New Year.

Dressed in a red vest, a robot emcee kicked off the show with a flourish, announcing the start of the performance. Following the introduction, two more robots took over — first demonstrating the graceful movements of tai chi, and then showcasing the powerful techniques of Chinese kung fu. The crowd’s favorite, however, was a high-energy hip-hop routine, where the robots moved in perfect sync with the music.

The highlight of the event was a theatrical piece titled “Prelude to Future.” The performance tells the story of robots navigating human society and forming connections through humorous and touching interactions. Rather than being passive spectators, audience members were invited to engage directly with the robot performers — chatting with them and even joining in games.

“It’s a completely new experience to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Shenzhen,” said a tourist surnamed Luo. “I loved enjoying the stunning sea views while watching such a futuristic performance.”

A returning visitor from Brazil, who goes by the name “Flyup” and is an avid photography enthusiast, described the robot show as “dazzling” and expressed excitement for the rest of his trip.

Zhang Qifeng, founder of Kayiwa Robotics, which co-runs the theater, said that future plans include interactive events such as an “AI Creation Camp” and a “Robot Theater Workshop,” aimed at further engaging the public with robotics and technology.

The 81-meter-high Wish Tower, located along the Dameisha coastline, offers more than just robot performances. Visitors can write down and hang their wishes on the Wishing Level, or head up to the Observation Level for a 360-degree view of the scenic coastline. The tower also houses “Deep Sea Fantasy,” an immersive VR underwater experience that transports guests into the depths of the ocean.