Shaanxi Lantern Festival Feast, Baoji Shehuo Intangible Cultural Heritage Celebration
During the 2026 Lantern Festival, Baoji, Yulin, and Shangluo in Shaanxi will jointly launch multiple immersive folk festivals. Featuring diverse forms such as Shehuo performances, lantern displays, Yangge dance, iron flower shows, fire lions, drones, and fireworks, these events vividly present the authentic Qin region’s New Year customs and the living heritage of intangible cultural traditions. The activities are concentrated from February 25 to March 3, covering ancient city streets, cultural tourism districts, and historic town scenic areas. The program includes grand performances and interactive experiences, perfect for family outings, cultural check-ins, and exploring the festive atmosphere.
[Baoji City “Dragon Soars and Lions Leap to Celebrate the New Spring · Drum Rhythms at Weibin Showcase Grand Plans” Shehuo Parade]
On March 1, Baoji city will hold its largest annual Shehuo parade, featuring seven distinctive formations. Premium Shehuo troupes from Long County and Chencang will perform together, with a special invitation to Foshan lion dancers. Intangible cultural heritage artisans will perform along the route, with resonant gongs and drums and colorful costumes turning the streets into a stage filled with festive spirit.
[Long County (Longzhou) Shehuo Art Week]
From February 25 to March 1, selected Shehuo troupes from across the county will perform in rotation, showcasing traditional forms such as donkey Shehuo, horse Shehuo, foot Shehuo, and stage Shehuo. These authentic performances recreate the New Year rhythms of the Loess Plateau, making Long County the core practice site for “See Baoji Shehuo in China, See Long County Shehuo in Baoji.”
[Xifu Old Street 8th Lantern Festival Lantern Parade]
On March 3, handcrafted lanterns will be linked into a flowing starry river, accompanied by lantern riddle guessing activities. The riddles cover literature, history, folklore, and fun brain teasers, combining education and entertainment to awaken the deep-seated ritual sense of the Lantern Festival.
[Baoji Exhibition Hall Lantern Riddle Guessing Activity]
On March 3, the hall will hang interesting lantern riddles, blending cultural knowledge and New Year wishes in each riddle and answer, allowing visitors to feel a unique festive warmth in the tranquil exhibition space.
[2026 “Northern Shaanxi Yulin Celebrates the New Year” Yangge Dance Performance]
From March 2 to 3, 20 Yangge dance teams will compete daily in Yulin Ancient City. The bold rhythms of the Loess Plateau and the vibrant red silk movements showcase the most vigorous vitality of spring in the frontier region.
[Yulin City Lantern Festival Night Drone and Fireworks Show]
At 7:30 PM on March 3, drone formations will perform at the North of Bashi Community and Sunshine Plaza in the High-tech Zone of Yuyang District. Simultaneously, fireworks will be launched at the South Plaza of the Innovation City Sports Center, blending technological light shows with traditional fireworks to illuminate Yulin’s Lantern Festival night sky.
[Shenmu Gaojiapu Ancient City Lantern Festival Folk Performance]
With ancient architecture as the backdrop and intangible cultural heritage as the soul, a series of spectacular shows light up the night. Paper cutting, clay sculpture, Northern Shaanxi storytelling, and other unique skills are interwoven to create an immersive New Year folk custom space that can be heard, seen, and touched.
[Danfeng Dihua Ancient Town Intangible Cultural Heritage Lantern Festival Shehuo Parade]
High platforms stand tall, dragon and lion dances display strong momentum, and Yangge dance teams keep a joyful rhythm. Children dressed as classical characters hang from tall poles, showcasing the skillful heritage of the Qinling heartland in thrilling and ingenious ways.
[Music Town “Lantern Festival Sleepless Night” Special Event]
On March 3, the millennium-old intangible cultural heritage iron flower and traditional fire pot skills will make a stunning appearance, accompanied by visual spectacles like the celestial maiden scattering flowers and fireworks waterfalls. Combined with singing, dancing performances, and seasonal interactive games, this event offers a one-stop experience full of excitement, romance, and awe.
[Manchuan Ancient Town “Celebrate Lantern Festival with Fire Lions Dance” Large-scale Folk Event]
Under the night sky, glowing fire dragons and fire lions leap and weave through the bluestone streets, with thunderous gongs and drums and rising flames symbolizing prosperity and warding off evil. This is the most dynamic Lantern Festival expression in the cultural intersection of Qin and Chu.
Come to Shaanxi for a steaming hot Lantern Festival rendezvous, feel the heartbeat of living heritage New Year customs, and start your journey of reunion and surprises!