Amid the firecrackers and festive cheer, China’s young generation is redefining the Chinese Spring Festival with a “Cyber Lunar New Year”, blending hi-tech with spiritual pragmatism.

From burning digital incense on their smartphones to exchanging electronic New Year’s goods and finding emotional comfort in the arms of artificial intelligence (AI) companions, young people are reshaping traditions in their own virtual way.

Cyber worship

The Lunar New Year is traditionally a time for visiting temples to pray for good fortune, but for the burned-out youth of 2026, such rituals have gone virtual.

Amid the rising trend of “cyber worshipping”, young viewers are flocking to live-streams filled with incense smoke, flickering lanterns and solemn Buddha statues, drawn in by the calming atmosphere.

Some apps have also embraced the trend, such as electronic wooden fish simulators that offer auto and manual tapping modes and help users relieve stress and relax their minds.

Also, online temple websites promote virtual worship services like “online incense offering and Buddha worship”, claiming to be a devout and eco-friendly alternative that spares worshippers the hassle of travelling to a physical temple.