Robots reimagine Peking Opera at West Bund Art & Design Week

Humanoid robots took the lead in a Peking Opera-themed production Xi Tian Qu Jing, argurably China's first production of this kind, during the 2026 West Bund Art & Design Week running Nov 10 to15 along Shanghai's Huangpu River in Xuhui district.

The robots plays the drums, bass and guitar and a virtual dan performer. It is helmed by Yang Qingqing, professor at Shanghai Theatre Academy and part of the 7th Art & Design Education: FutureLab.

Rooted in China's four great classical novels, the show features robots performing full rock instrumentals independently, with lyrics that weave classical imagery with digital-age philosophy.