Robots promote Lijiang at China-South Asia Expo

Staff members welcome visitors with a robot in front of the Lijiang pavilion. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Two robots wearing traditional Naxi ethnic costumes stood at the entrance of Lijiang's exhibition hall during the China-South Asia Expo (CSA Expo), greeting visitors in Mandarin, English and Naxi language.

The robots are able to talk, dance and describe tourist routes, folk activities and specialty dishes from the area. "It's the first time we've brought robots to an exhibition," said Tang Jiaqiong, deputy director of the Lijiang Tourism Development Commission. "We want to showcase traditional culture using the latest technology."

The 72-square-meter exhibition booth was specially designed to showcase tourism in Lijiang by introducing scenic areas, tourist products and featured artware.

The pavilion integrated Naxi residential architecture features and set up an LED screen displaying Lijiang tourism videos. It provides a chance for domestic and foreign guests to get a better understanding of Lijiang.

The 5th China-South Asia Expo was held from June 15 to 20 in Kunming, Yunnan province to boost cooperation between China and South Asian countries.

The Lijiang exhibition booth greets visitors during the 5th CSA Expo. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Children talk to a robot at the exhibition. [Photo by Nian Xinhong/news.cn]