Xi'an Huaqing Palace Lantern Festival kicks off

The Third Huaqing Palace Tang Palace Lantern Festival, which is one of the three major lantern festivals in Xi'an, kicked off at Huaqing Palace scenic area on Jan 18.

The festival will last until Feb 9, serving as part of the "Enjoy Chinese New Year in Xi'an" program.

The Third Huaqing Palace Tang Palace Lantern Festival kicks off on Jan 18. [Photo/xa.gov.cn]

The lighting ceremony of the festival mixed cutting edge technology with a popular drone light show, presenting a grandiose show that combined culture and technology.

Comprised of six major exhibition areas, the festival allows visitors to experience the thriving economy and strong national strength of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) through lantern groups showcasing the history and culture of Huaqing Palace.

In addition to enjoying the lantern displays and the light shows during the festival, Huaqing Palace scenic area has prepared a number of themed activities for visitors.

It will host Chinese traditional folk activities, such as Qinqiang Opera and lion dance performances, as well as guessing lantern riddles activities, allowing visitors to experience traditional Chinese festival culture in a festive Chinese New Year atmosphere.