#China #Xi'an #Spring Festival #Xi'an Digital #Laba Festival

A New Era for Xi'an: Merging Technology with Tradition

On January 26, 2026, the ancient city of Xi'an celebrated the Laba Festival, an event that marks the beginning of the Spring Festival. During this cultural celebration, the municipality showcased the launch of the "Xi'an Year 2026"—a unique blend of traditional festivities and cutting-edge technology, crafted to provide an immersive experience for locals and visitors alike.

The Concept Behind the Event

This year's Spring Festival events in Xi'an have been meticulously organized to highlight the city's rich history while integrating modern digital experiences. Powered by a series of cultural initiatives, the festival is aptly titled "Best of China - Digital Xi'an New Year". The launch features various digital experiences utilizing Extended Reality (XR) technologies, which promise not just passive observation but interactive engagement with the city's history and tradition.

Upcoming Events

Running from January to March 18, 2026, the festival will host over 150 unique activities categorized into six major areas:
1. Immaterial Cultural Heritage
2. Gastronomy and Shopping
3. Lantern Festivals and Performances
4. Museum Learning
5. Tourist Leisure Activities
6. Public Cultural Advantages

Each category is designed to create a festive atmosphere throughout Xi'an, encouraging participation from everyone. In an effort to ensure that visitors get the most out of their experience, the city has introduced "Red Envelopes"—special offers designed to enhance shopping and tourism within Xi'an.

Digital Innovations

A key aspect of this year's celebrations is the collaboration among six major XR industry groups based in Xi'an. These groups have rolled out a series of digital experiences using Location Based Entertainment (LBE) technologies, allowing participants to physically explore historical interactive scenes. This innovation effectively transforms the experience from mere observation of artifacts into a participatory journey through time, adding a new dimension to learning about Xi'an's rich heritage.

The synchronization of various platforms ensures a smooth visitor experience, combining resources from travel packages, lifestyle promotions, and cross-border payment solutions. This integrated approach makes traveling and experiencing Xi'an's culture more convenient and enriching for visitors.

Invitation to the World

Xi'an extends a warm invitation to global friends to partake in this extraordinary festival that beautifully melds the past with the future. This event exemplifies China’s commitment to preserving its traditions while embracing the advancements of modern technology. Visitors can expect not only to absorb the genuine essence of traditional culture but also to experience the vibrant pulse of innovation that defines modern China.

As the celebrations unfold, we can expect a city-wide revival of culture and excitement, paving the way for Xi'an to shine as a premier destination for cultural tourism. Through this immersive experience, attendees will leave with not only memories of the festival but also with a deeper appreciation for the harmonization of historical and contemporary practices in one of China's most significant ancient capitals.