China’s foray into high-tech tourism reached new heights this Qingming Festival, as AI-powered robotic exoskeletons—dubbed “robotic legs”—helped thousands of tourists conquer one of the country’s most iconic mountains with ease.

Despite Qingming not traditionally being a peak travel season, the three-day holiday saw a surge in domestic travel. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported 126 million domestic tourist visits, a 6.3% year-on-year increase, generating approximately 57.5 billion yuan (USD 7.9 billion) in tourism revenue—a 6.7% rise from last year.

A highlight of the holiday was Taishan Mountain in Shandong province, famous for its challenging 7,000-step climb to a summit over 1,500 metres above sea level. This year, however, many visitors opted for a futuristic assist—wearable robotic exoskeletons that reduce physical strain and cut climbing time in half. Introduced earlier this year, the devices quickly became a holiday sensation.

“The demand was overwhelming. We had long queues and not nearly enough units,” said Li Gang, head of the Taishan Cultural Tourism Group. “Currently, we only have 10 robotic legs available, but we aim to scale up to 500 units by May.”

At a rental rate of just 80 yuan for a three-hour session, the exoskeletons proved popular with hikers of all ages. Tourists reported a significantly smoother journey, turning a typical three-hour trek into a more manageable 90-minute climb.

One such visitor, 26-year-old Yan Lidong from Beijing, praised the innovation. “This tech saved my legs,” he said. “A friend of mine did the climb last October without it and couldn’t walk for two days.”

The success at Taishan is prompting similar adoptions elsewhere. Huangshan Mountain in Anhui province plans to launch its own line of smart hiking aids later this month, including robotic knee braces and AI-enhanced walking sticks. These devices have already undergone trials since February.

“These high-tech tools are changing how we explore nature,” said Wei Changren, founder of tourism finance platform btiii.com. “It’s not just about making travel easier—it’s about blending technology with adventure.”

Tour operator Tuniu added that AI-powered devices are especially popular among younger tourists, who are eager to embrace new technology and explore outdoor destinations in fresh ways.

The rise of wearable tourism tech is part of a broader shift in China’s travel sector. Where earlier “smart tourism” efforts focused on improving internet and mobile connectivity, the emphasis has now shifted to AI integration and enhanced physical experiences.

According to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, revenue from smart tourism soared from 432.9 billion yuan in 2019 to 1.04 trillion yuan in 2023. That number is expected to hit 1.25 trillion yuan this year—an increase of 20% year-on-year.

Traditionally a time to honour ancestors, the Qingming Festival is increasingly blending remembrance with leisure. Activities like hiking, mountain climbing, and flower viewing are gaining popularity—especially when supported by next-gen tech.

With wearable robotics now entering the travel mainstream, China’s “smart tourism” revolution appears to be just beginning.

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