People take a photo in an exhibition board at the opening ceremony of 2019 Chinese New Year celebration in Chanba Ecological Zone of Xi'an. Photo by Shen Bowang/Xinhua

The "2019 Spring Festival in Xi'an  Most Cultural and Traditional" celebration officially kicked off on Dec 31. The 66-day event will run until Mar 6, 2019.

Xi'an first launched the celebration festival brand event in 2018. During the Chinese New Year, more than 30 events were held and won the attention of more than 180 million people. Over 10 million Chinese and foreign tourists visited Xi'an during the period. The event brought a beautiful cultural message to the world, and rejuvenated the ancient city of Xi'an.

The slogans of celebration include "Come to Xi'an for the Chinese New Year and You Will Come Again", "Enjoy the Best of the Chinese New Year in Xi'an", and "Happy Chinese New Year in Xi'an." The content of the celebration will focus on the ten keywords of history, fashion, folklore, exhibition, food, science and technology, books, festivals, blessings and colors. The festival involves 251 events including two main venue events for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as 41 covering 12 major themes of the city's nearly 30 municipal departments, districts, counties, and development zones. The 2019 event aims to further inherit the traditional Chinese culture and continuously enhance its vitality and influence.

It is reported that the event will pay more attention to and highlight the unique elements of the "signature, international, scientific and local taste" of Xi'an. The event will display the traditional culture and city image of Xi'an in "the most characteristic, the most delicious, the most folk, the most cultural, the most scientific and the most fashionable aspects." The cultural characteristics of Xi'an and the development achieved by the city in the new era will be demonstrated through the activities throughout the 66 days. The event highlights the elements of participation and experience to enhance its attractiveness.

The "2019 Spring Festival in Xi'an  Most Cultural and Traditional" celebration in Chanba Ecological Zone of Xi'an was officially launched in Chanba on Dec.29. The event features "Dream, Charming Chanba and New Year". A series of youthful and festive events such as the light show, the Bahe River water show, the New Year Folk Art Festival, the International Dragon and Lion Dance Competition, and the AR Technology Experience will be hosted.