Shaanxi welcomes surge in international tourists during Spring Festival

International visitors take a selfie with the Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, during the Spring Festival holiday. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

Shaanxi province saw a surge in international tourists during this year's Spring Festival holiday as China celebrated the holiday for the first time after the festival was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Data from Shaanxi's border inspection station showed that ports in Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi, handled 47,000 inbound and outbound trips during the eight-day holiday, which ended on Tuesday, with daily passenger traffic increasing 84 percent year-on-year.

In addition, the city recorded 330 international passenger flights during the holiday, marking a 91 percent rise in daily flight volume.

During the holiday, Shaanxi offered a range of dazzling cultural activities. Tourists could ascend the ancient city walls to enjoy the 2025 Chang'an Lantern Festival, dress in traditional Chinese hanfuattire to experience palace banquets and street life from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and visit the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum to see the famous terracotta army.

The Heslops, a couple from the United Kingdom who had previously experienced Chinese New Year celebrations in the UK's Chinatown, said they were impressed by the festive atmosphere in Xi'an.

"We were immersed in the city's rich history and experienced the warm hospitality of the locals," they said, expressing their intention to share this unforgettable experience with relatives and friends back home.

An 80-year-old surnamed Lim from Malaysia said the city's festive decorations and grand lantern show left him and his wife in awe.

"Xi'an has always been a place we longed to visit," he said. "Only by experiencing it in person can we truly appreciate its profound history."

Despite the large crowds at scenic spots and streets, Lim said the orderly arrangements and efficient services left them highly satisfied.

Italian tourist Ada, who compared Xi'an to Rome for its historical significance, was amazed by the Terracotta Warriors.

"Xi'an perfectly blends history with modernity, and the Spring Festival celebrations add unique charm to the city," she said.