Xi'an's Spring Festival celebrations blend old and new
Updated 22:52, 08-Feb-2019
By Wang Wei
["china"]
02:07
In the northwestern Chinese province of Shaanxi, Xi'an is marking the Spring Festival with celebrations blending old and new.
Here's a look at some of the festivities taking place at temples, museums, and public venues in the city known as the home to the Terracotta Warriors.
At the Xiaoyan Pagoda Temple Fair, local holidaymakers and tourists eagerly joined in on the raucous music making, moving to the drum beats of age-old traditions.
The nearby Jianfu Temple supplied an ideal venue for similar celebrations. In its vast compound, decked out with red lanterns and flowing banners, visitors can watch folk performances and take part in a showcase of the area's intangible cultural heritage.
Liu Jing, a staff member of Xi'an Museum, said: "We've mounted an attractive display of folk culture, which includes many examples of our intangible cultural heritage. Over in the eastern zone, there's a showcase of drone photography, virtual reality, and other high-tech gadgets. We're trying to offer an all-round experience for visitors."
Visitors walk through the Xiaoyan Pagoda Temple Fair in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, February 5, 2019. /VCG Photo

Visitors walk through the Xiaoyan Pagoda Temple Fair in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, February 5, 2019. /VCG Photo

The "tolling of the temple bell" has proved to be the most popular among visitors, who make their wishes before sounding the giant bell to pray for a prosperous year.
In the Lintong district, in the city's eastern suburbs, Huaqing Plaza is serving as yet another attraction for holidaymakers. As folk music played loudly, a group of performers entertained visitors with banner dances. Also available are performances of yangko dances, a popular traditional folk dance, and puppet shows.
"In the past, we used to have only a main stage here at Huaqing Plaza. But this year we've greatly expanded it and spread out the festivities. The biggest feature among them is this venue near the shopping mall. In addition to traditional acts such as dragon dances, there's also a fantasy parade. It really brings diversity to the Spring Festival experience," said Wang Zhiguo, a member of the Lintong District Committee.
Apart from the spectacles, Huaqing Plaza also supplies a feast for hungry bellies. A snack street has been set up to offer up delicacies and local fruits for everyone.