Travelers from Bulgaria, South Korea, and Russia Join Yulin’s Chinese New Year Celebrations, Experiencing Northern Shaanxi’s Rich Cultural Heritage

In a remarkable event celebrating Chinese New Year, Yulin City in Northern Shaanxi, China, hosted international visitors from across the globe. During this cultural extravaganza, which coincided with the 14th day of the first lunar month, foreign travelers were introduced to Northern Shaanxi’s folk music and Yangko dance, both of which are deeply embedded in the region’s history and culture. This celebration marked a unique moment where global cultures intertwined, offering tourists a vivid and immersive experience of Chinese traditions.

The Role of Northern Shaanxi Folk Songs in Connecting Cultures

A key highlight of the festivities was the visit of international guests to the Northern Shaanxi Folk Song Museum. Here, visitors were welcomed by Wang Zhixing, a professional folk singer renowned for his impromptu performances. As he began his song, the sounds of Northern Shaanxi folk music echoed through the museum. The music, characterized by high-pitched tones and lingering rhymes, provided a glimpse into the lives of people in the region. For centuries, Northern Shaanxi folk songs have been used to express a wide range of emotions, from work chants and love duets to celebratory and ritualistic tunes. This deeply emotional connection to the land has made these folk songs a symbol of cultural heritage, earning their place on China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2006.

One of the visiting foreigners commented that although they did not understand the lyrics, the emotion conveyed through the song allowed them to feel its meaning. This experience exemplifies how cultural expressions can transcend language barriers, creating deeper bonds among travelers and the cultures they encounter. It is an experience that highlights the growing demand for authentic, immersive travel experiences focused on cultural heritage, a trend that is gaining momentum worldwide.

The Immersive Experience of Yangko Dance at the Yulin Lantern Festival

Another significant element of Yulin’s celebration was the Yangko performance, which took place at the Yulin Folk Art Research Institute. Originating in the Ming and Qing dynasties, Yangko is a vibrant and dynamic performance that combines dance, opera, and folk rituals, typically performed by farmers during their leisure time. The performance reflects the optimistic spirit of the Loess Plateau people and has been recognized as part of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2008.

At the 2025 National Yangko Performance Exhibition, not only were there groups from across China, but also international folk art troupes from Bulgaria, Thailand, South Korea, and Russia. This melding of cultures infused the traditional Yangko with new life, creating a cross-cultural celebration of both Chinese and international artistic expressions. Visitors from abroad were deeply moved by the collective energy of the Yangko parade, with one foreign participant sharing their admiration for the stunning performances and the departure from Western family-centered celebrations.

This cultural exchange provided more than just entertainment—it was an opportunity for travelers to connect with the deeper cultural values embedded in Chinese traditions. For many, the parade was not just a performance, but a living testament to China’s rich cultural legacy. One foreign observer noted the “cultural self-confidence” displayed by the performers, which allowed them to see the enduring spirit of China’s 5,000-year civilization. This kind of immersive experience contributes to the broader global tourism trend of travelers seeking authenticity, cultural heritage, and opportunities to engage with local traditions.

The Global Appeal of Yulin’s Cultural Celebrations

For the tourism industry, Yulin’s celebration of Chinese New Year offers a powerful model of how local cultural events can attract international visitors and foster meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. The participation of foreign tourists in Yulin’s celebrations not only highlights the universal appeal of Chinese traditions but also emphasizes the growing interest in niche, culturally rich travel experiences. Travelers are increasingly seeking opportunities to learn and engage with cultural heritage in ways that go beyond the typical tourist attractions, and Yulin’s focus on intangible cultural heritage provides a perfect example of this shift.

As the global travel market continues to rebound, destinations that can offer unique, culturally immersive experiences stand to benefit significantly. For example, Yulin’s ability to combine folk music, dance, and local rituals in a way that appeals to both local and international audiences positions it as a key player in the future of cultural tourism. This trend is particularly relevant as the tourism sector looks to diversify its offerings and cater to the growing demand for experiences that promote cultural understanding and exchange.

Sustainability and Cultural Preservation as Key Tourism Drivers

In line with the growing interest in sustainable tourism, Yulin’s focus on cultural preservation also contributes to the broader global effort to protect and promote intangible cultural heritage. By hosting international visitors and encouraging them to participate in local traditions, Yulin is not only preserving its heritage but also ensuring that it continues to thrive in the modern world. The tourism industry is increasingly aware of the importance of preserving cultural traditions while promoting responsible travel practices. This balance of heritage and sustainability is becoming a key selling point for destinations around the world.

For travelers, this emphasis on cultural preservation provides an opportunity to engage in responsible tourism. They can enjoy authentic experiences while contributing to the preservation of these traditions. This approach not only enhances the travel experience but also allows tourists to feel that they are playing a role in sustaining the culture they are visiting. As the world becomes more interconnected, tourists are becoming more aware of the impact of their travel choices, and destinations that prioritize cultural preservation will likely see increasing interest from conscientious travelers.

Impact on the Travel Industry: A New Era of Cultural Tourism

Yulin’s Chinese New Year celebrations serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural tourism in the global travel landscape. The blending of traditional Chinese cultural practices with international participation not only enriches the experience for visitors but also helps to foster greater cultural understanding between East and West. For the travel industry, this represents an opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for immersive, culturally enriching experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing.

By promoting destinations like Yulin, the tourism sector can tap into a market of travelers who are eager to connect with local traditions and gain deeper insights into the cultures they visit. As the tourism industry looks to diversify its offerings and cater to the changing preferences of modern travelers, events like the Yulin Chinese New Year celebration provide a compelling case for the value of cultural tourism in driving growth and engagement.

Conclusion: Cultural Celebrations as Key to Future Tourism Growth

In conclusion, Yulin’s Chinese New Year celebrations are a prime example of how local cultural events can have a significant impact on the global tourism industry. By blending traditional Chinese performances with international participation, Yulin is fostering greater cultural understanding and promoting its rich heritage to the world. As cultural tourism continues to grow, destinations like Yulin that offer immersive, authentic experiences will be well-positioned to attract a global audience and contribute to the broader efforts to preserve and celebrate cultural traditions.

For more information on Yulin’s cultural events and tourism opportunities, travelers can visit the official website or follow updates on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.