CNY in 2026 - Cyber Lunar New Year trending among China youth who buy virtual goods, burn digital incense

The “cyber Lunar New Year” trend is popular among younger generations in China, which includes burning digital incense, purchasing virtual goods, and using AI-generated characters for companionship during the holiday. -- Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/RedNote/Baidu

BEIJING: 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.