Colorful Lantern Festival events light up Xi'an

Xi'an has prepared a host of events at its scenic spots for the Lantern Festival. Follow the guide and enjoy a magical night in this ancient city.

Xi'an City Wall

The Chang'an Lantern Festival at Xi'an City Wall has become a popular spot highly praised by citizens and tourists. The profound culture of ancient Chang'an blends with cutting-edge technology, redefining the lantern show experience.

The scenic area captures commands through multiple sensors, cameras, and microphones, supporting free switching among gesture, eye, and voice control. The lightweight and comfortable equipment allows visitors to enjoy an immersive experience where virtual light and shadow connect with the scenery of the city wall.

Tang West Market

The Tang West Market presents a grand intangible cultural heritage (ICH) fair featuring exquisite craftsmanship and authentic local flavors. Activities including lion dance performances and shadow puppetry shows are staged to recreate the prosperity of the Lantern Festival during the Tang Dynasty (618–907).

An original exhibition at the Tang West Market Museum has now opened. Based on the theme of the horse, it showcases the integration and coexistence of the spirit and symbolism of the horse with festival culture in ancient Chinese poetry.

Beiyuanmen Historical and Cultural Block

Come to Beiyuanmen Historical and Cultural Block to enjoy some tasty snacks that also serve as prime examples of local intangible cultural heritage.

As a famous local brand, Yanbin Yuanxiao (glutinous rice ball) has become a must‑have for Xi'an locals during the Lantern Festival, thanks to four generations of handmade craftsmanship. With five classic flavors to choose from including black sesame and rose walnut, they showcase authentic Islamic culinary culture.

You can also enjoy crispy golden persimmon cakes with a rich osmanthus fragrance, and Jiasan Soup Dumplings with thin wrappers and juicy fillings. Amid the warm, lively atmosphere, you can truly taste the authentic flavors of Xi'an.

Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Center (Qujiang Branch)

The center has prepared a poetry and music gala, poetry recitals, dramas and sketches, and lantern riddles for the Lantern Festival.

With intangible cultural heritage as the medium and poetry and music complementing it, the center presents a feast full of vitality and elegance.

Kunming Lake · Qixi Park

Focusing on relaxing and fun interactions, the park is perfect for family outings. A Year of the Horse lantern riddle event will be held. Visitors who guess correctly will receive small Chinese New Year gifts.

Yunhan Commercial Street will hold some intriguing events including magic shows, band performances, and a DIY handmade lantern experience. The park also offers various consumer discounts, creating a joyful atmosphere and making each visit even more enjoyable.

Silk Road Paradise

The third Silk Road Paradise Spring Festival Season continues with exciting events. Visitors born in the Year of the Horse can enter the park for free by showing their ID cards, enjoying exclusive blessings for their zodiac year.

The Spring Festival-themed light show, combined with a drone show, will showcase the collision of technology and aesthetics, creating a stunning audio‑visual experience.

The park also features interactive campfire events, the stage show The Sound of the Silk Road, and over 100 international song and dance performances, to ensure uninterrupted fun.