Since its debut in 1984, the spectacular Spring Festival Lantern Show on the City Wall has illuminated the ancient capital of Xi'an, establishing itself as the city's premier Chinese New Year celebration and drawing millions of visitors annually to its radiant displays.

Schedule & Location

2025 Event: January 22 – March 9 (Lights On: 18:00 daily).

2026 Event: Kicking off on New Year's Day for the first time, the celebration continues through the Lantern Festival.

Location: Yongning Gate (North and South Squares), section from Wenchang Gate to Zhuque Gate, and the West Gate Barbican within the Xi'an City Wall.

Heritage-Inspired Lanterns: This year's lantern collection brings 38 national treasures to life through light and artistry. Among the standout pieces is Auspicious Serpent, drawing inspiration from a rare human-headed serpent jade pendant of the Spring and Autumn Period, and Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup, which recreates the festive spirit of the Tang Dynasty through detailed representations of iconic wine vessels.

Journey Through Time in Themed Zones: Immerse yourself in a vivid portrayal of the Tang Dynasty's golden age and modern Xi'an's dynamic energy, exploring distinct zones dedicated to traditional customs, public blessings, and panoramic scenes of historic Chang'an.

Interactive Activities & Cultural Engagement: Get involved in the Show by participating in traditional blessing ceremonies, testing your knowledge in Tang poetry competitions, and solving classic lantern riddles.

Live Tang Dynasty Performances: Step back in time with spectacular cultural shows featuring Golden-Armored Imperial Guard Procession, the acclaimed Grand Procession of Ladies of the Tang Dynasty, and lively Tang-style flash mobs that bring the dynasty's grandeur to the streets.

The Gate Couplets Ceremony: Admire 22 monumental Spring Festival couplets, selected from a worldwide competition, adorning 16 historic gates including Yongning Gate and Changle Gate. These grand scrolls infuse the ancient walls with literary charm and the authentic spirit of the Chinese New Year.

Good to Know

Final schedules and ticketing information are typically confirmed in the preceding December or the following January. For the most up-to-date schedule, ticket policies, and to secure your tickets, we recommend checking the WeChat mini program by searching for the “Xi'an City Wall” before your visit.