Xian Events, Things to Do and Festivals

(Xian, Shaanxi, China)

Although there are usually more than enough things to see, do and keep tourists fully occupied during their stay, Xian does play host to a series of enjoyable annual festivals. These cultural events can provide a further level of interest for those visiting Xian, and so before booking your holiday, it is well worth checking the city's calendar of festivals first.

Particularly notable is the Xian Art Festival of Ancient Culture, which has been held each year since 1990 and lasts for an entire week. This event is always extremely popular and is staged each September, with highlights including drum dancing, Chinese folk music, and even a lantern show on the historic city walls.

Xian Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015: General Information

The Spring Festival is another very noteworthy event in Xian and celebrates the arrival of the Lunar New Year, with traditional events, music and dancing. Also at this time of the year is the International Calligraphy Annual Meeting and the Xian Lantern Festival, the latter of which originated as far back as the Western Han Dynasty and sees hundreds of illuminated lanterns hanging around the city.

International events held in Xian include everything from the World F1 Motorboat Championship in 2007, to the World Horticultural Expo in 2011, bringing literally millions of visitors to the city. Each November, runners flock to the city to take part in the Xian City Wall International Marathon of China Silk Road, with crowds of spectators cheering them on their way as they race on top of the actual city walls, which surround the city centre and stretch for just over 13 km / 8 miles.