Experience the Intersection of Tradition and Technology This Lunar New Year in Xi'an

Merging Tradition and Technology in Xi'an's Lunar New Year Celebration

As the Lunar New Year approaches, cities worldwide prepare to celebrate with traditional rituals and festivities. However, Xi'an, the ancient capital of China, is taking a unique approach by integrating cutting-edge technology into its age-old traditions. On January 26, coinciding with the Laba Festival—which marks the beginning of Lunar New Year preparations—the city unveiled a series of exciting cultural and tourism events under the banner "Xi'an Year • Best of China - Digital Xi'an New Year 2026."

The Launch Event

The launch event set in motion a series of activities that blends history and culture with the latest technological innovations. Hosted by the Xi'an Municipal Government and a consortium of partners, the event included the introduction of remarkable XR (Extended Reality) experiences that are set to redefine how both residents and tourists engage with this time-honored holiday. The series runs from January until March 18, promising a blend of tangible, immersive, and digital experiences that breathe new life into traditional festivities.

Experience the Festivities in a New Light

In a bid to celebrate the Lunar New Year in a way that resonates with the tech-savvy generation while still honoring its rich cultural heritage, the city has developed six main platforms and five shopping scenes throughout the event period. These platforms cater to enhancing visitor experiences with exciting marketing campaigns and the distribution of "red envelopes"—a traditional gift symbolizing good fortune.

With over 150 planned activities encompassing intangible cultural heritage, delicious local cuisine, shopping festivals, lantern shows, educational tours in museums, and a variety of public cultural benefits, Xi'an is set to create a vibrant festive atmosphere across the city.

XR Experiences and Historical Immersion

Among the most innovative features being introduced are XR technology-based experiences that encourage participants to explore designated areas while interacting with live representations of the historical events and artifacts. This level of engagement transforms traditional passive observation into an active, participatory journey through time. With Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) technologies, individuals can engage in immersive experiences that blend physical movement with historical narratives, promoting deeper connections to Xi'an's storied past.

Collaborative Platforms and Thematic Offerings

The collaborative effort among the city’s tourism, lifestyle, and retail platforms offers thematic packages that cater to tourists and locals alike. This strategic alliance enhances the overall experience by providing cost-effective, streamlined access to various attractions and events that reflect both traditional and contemporary aspects of Chinese culture.

Tourism platforms have introduced specialized products that highlight Xi'an's rich offerings, while lifestyle platforms are curating lifestyle packages designed around the Lunar New Year. Meanwhile, cross-border payment platforms enhance the ease of transactions for numerous visitors, further simplifying their festive experience.

Invitation to Join the Celebration

As this unique celebration unfolds, Xi'an extends a warm invitation to friends and loved ones from across the globe. The blend of historical authenticity and modern innovation enriches traditional celebrations, making it possible to experience the true essence of the festivity while embracing the excitement of the future. It is a chance to witness firsthand how Xi'an is redefining its cultural identity while maintaining its historical significance, setting a precedent for how cities can honor their heritage through the lens of modern technology.

The vibrant fusion of old and new in Xi'an during the Lunar New Year presents a compelling narrative that promises to inspire both nostalgia and curiosity among participants. Step into a celebration like no other and explore the digital marvels that Xi'an has to offer this coming year.