The 2026 Spring Festival holiday, the longest ever, ran from February 15 to 23. It sparked a travel boom in China's cultural and tourism markets. Tu Niu's (China's top online travel service for leisure tours and bookings) report highlights Xi'an as a top 10 domestic destination, a favored cultural hub during the Spring Festival holiday. Known for its Tang Dynasty appeal and lively festivities, Xi'an popularized the trend of "celebrating Spring Festival in Chang'an" nationwide.

This Spring Festival, Xi'an's cultural tourism appeal reached a phenomenal level.Xi'an was also listed among the top 10 popular destinations for self-driving tours and independent travel, with a surge in arrivals by air and high-speed rail. Hotels and B&Bs near scenic spots were fully booked, and the city became a top choice for family trips, parent-child travel, and cultural immersion experiences.

Xi'an's convenient transport options boosted its appeal as a cultural hotspot. As a national hub for high-speed rail and air travel, it became ideal for spontaneous trips. High-speed rail routes saw over 50% annual growth in passenger traffic, while flights to major cities were highly popular, making "flying to Xi'an" a trendy choice.

Self-driving and independent travel gained popularity for exploring Xi'an, with travel products like "hotel + theme park" and "hotel + scenic spot tickets" in high demand. Many visitors chose self-drive tours or deep independent travel to fully experience the ancient capital's charm.During the Spring Festival, Xi'an was immersed in an all-encompassing festive atmosphere.

At the Grand Tang Ever-bright City cultural block, robots showcased martial arts and wrote the Chinese character “Fu” (blessing) for visitors.

During the Spring Festival holiday, Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum drew many local and international visitors eager to experience the unique charm of this global cultural heritage.

Xi'an embraced this featured holiday with joy and harmony, exuding a cheerful Spring Festival atmosphere. A blend of traditional customs and modern energy marked the celebrations, as locals and tourists enjoyed the festive spirit while exploring the ancient city's charms.