XI'AN, China – October 27, 2026 -- Travelers can plan a Shaanxi trip that goes well beyond the Terracotta Warriors: China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy remains available to eligible travelers, and a new Shaanxi Inbound Service platform at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport offers multilingual assistance, travel bookings and itinerary planning.
Fourteen diplomats from nine countries toured Shaanxi's landmarks
From October 9 to 12, 14 diplomats stationed in China, representing nine countries including Belarus, Morocco and Albania, joined the 2026 "Discover China Cultural Tour" of Shaanxi. It was the final stop of this year's tour series.
The group visited the Shaanxi History Museum, Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Belarus's ambassador to China said he was deeply impressed by the continuity of Chinese civilization reflected in the museum collections.
Night performances and hands-on crafts bring Xi'an's history to life
The program included Dream of Chang'an at the Xi'an City Wall and The Song of Everlasting Sorrow at Huaqing Palace, plus a nighttime stroll through Grand Tang Mall. Albania's ambassador to China was struck by the blend of ancient history and modern vitality in Xi'an.
At the Shaanxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Center, the diplomats tried printmaking and made Song brocade hairpins and lotus lanterns.
The Silk Road International Arts Festival runs through November 10
On October 11, the diplomats attended the opening ceremony of the 12th Silk Road International Arts Festival and watched The Peony Pavilion, a ballet that reimagines a Chinese classic through a Western art form.
The festival features 83 performances, plus exhibitions of more than 420 artworks from 19 countries and regions. Morocco's ambassador to China voiced hope that greater people-to-people exchanges and cooperation would give the Silk Road new meaning for our time.