Celebrating Art Along the Silk Road at the 11th International Arts Festival in Shaanxi

Celebrating Art Along the Silk Road in Shaanxi

On October 16, 2025, the Xi'an Performing Art Center marked the beginning of the 11th Silk Road International Arts Festival. This vibrant event harmonizes historical significance with contemporary cultural expressions, bringing together art, music, and performances in a city known for being the ancient starting point of the Silk Road.

The festival is jointly organized by the People's Government of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Municipal Government, and the Qujiang New District Administrative Committee, and it will run until November 9, 2025. Spanning 25 days, the festival aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and celebration, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of international artistic collaboration.

With an awe-inspiring opening featuring the national orchestral concert “Silk Road Chang'an”, conducted by the acclaimed maestro Zhang Lie, the event showcased musical dialogues that blended traditional instruments like the huqin with a powerful choral finale to reflect both the historical richness of Xi'an and a vision for a united global community. The concert set a grand tone for what attendees could expect throughout the festival.

The core of this festival is emphasized through a Stage Art Showcase, which presents an impressive lineup of 34 domestic and international productions. The variety of performances includes concerts, drama, dance dramas, musicals, and traditional Chinese opera, taking place in over ten venues across Shaanxi. This diversity illustrates the artistic vitality and the creative synergy that characterizes the Silk Road historically and in modernity.

One of the standout events is the “Today's Silk Road International Art Exhibition” hosted at the Shaanxi Art Museum from October 18 to November 2. This exhibition features an astounding 470 pieces created by artists from 79 countries and regions, encompassing various forms of art, including painting, sculpture, and installation works. Visitors can immerse themselves in a colorful assembly reflecting the unique perspectives and creative energies from nations along the Silk Road, highlighting the shared cultural heritage.

From October 25 to November 9, the atmosphere throughout Xi'an will come alive with the “Doll's House Street Puppet Parade,” which is set to animate local cultural landmarks such as the Grand Tang Mall and the historic Xi'an City Wall. This parade will feature immersive performances by both Chinese and French troupes, showcasing how art transcends borders and embodies the spirit of collaboration and joy.

As the melodies of “Silk Road Chang'an” continue to echo through the streets of Xi'an, the festival symbolizes a new chapter where art serves as a bridge. It allows for a reconnection of cultures and an ongoing celebration of creativity. The 11th Silk Road International Arts Festival closely aligns with its founding mission to serve as a platform of mutual understanding and cultural exchange, thus inviting everyone to join in this remarkable journey where art unites us all.

Shaanxi stands proud at this pivotal moment, continuing to nurture the legacy of the historic Silk Road while embracing a modern artistic vision. The festival not only transforms the city into a gallery of global cultures but also reinforces Xi'an’s position as a vibrant cultural crossroads not just in China but the world. Through this festival, the enduring spirit of the Silk Road continues to shine brightly across various art forms and cultures, fostering unity and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.