2025 Xi'an Grand Prix kicks off

The 2025 Xi'an Grand Prix kicked off on Oct 7, featuring the world's top snooker players, including icons such as Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump, and Ding Junhui.

With 73 elite players from over 20 countries and regions, the opening day was a grand affair, filling the venue with enthusiastic spectators. Among them was Yang Yuxuan, who traveled from Wuhan with his family and extended their stay in Xi'an by a day to attend.

"Despite the potential traffic on our drive home on Oct 8, the chance to watch the matches live was too rare to pass up," he said. "The atmosphere was fantastic, and the players' performances were outstanding."

While Yang enjoyed the matches, his wife and son relaxed at the outdoor carnival, which offers a blend of live viewing, culinary delights, cultural interactions, and entertainment.

A highlight of the carnival is the giant LED screen providing live broadcasts of the matches, offering an immersive outdoor viewing experience. The carnival also features food and beverage zones, interactive experiences, social areas, and a cultural marketplace.

Xi'an has been developing its "Travel with Events" brand, utilizing international events as platforms for cultural and tourism integration. The Grand Prix uses snooker as a cultural bridge, fostering deep dialogue between Xi'an and the world.

The innovative ticket plan transforms tickets into "access vouchers" for local dining, attractions, and entertainment, promoting cross-industry and cross-scenario value exchange.

Players are also embracing the city's rich culture. On the eve of the tournament, over 70 players participated in a public daytime event at the Tang Dynasty Xi'an, enjoying the Tang Dynasty (618-907)-inspired performanceThe Empress of the Tang Dynastyand immersing themselves in Xi'an's unique allure.

"This event blends Xi'an's history with modern vitality, telling the city's stories to the world. Its successful hosting enhances Xi'an's presence on the global sports map, becoming a shining emblem and injecting strong, lasting momentum into the city's internationalization and culture," said a representative of the organizer.