Xi'an, a millennium old ancient capital, has become a favorite among tourists from many countries, where they unlock diverse travel experiences.

At the local scenic area Tang Dynasty Xi'an, the performance Empress of the Tang Dynasty has become a great way for international tourists to experience Tang (618-907) culture. Blanca from Spain said after the performance, "The music and stage effects were fantastic! I had always hoped to learn about Xi'an culture through music and theater, and this performance completely met my expectations, giving me a deeper understanding of Tang Dynasty history. It was such a special experience!"

A performance at the Tang Dynasty Xi'an. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

As of 2025, the Tang Dynasty Xi'an has staged more than 12,000 performances and received 15 million tourist visits from around the world.

In the first half of this year, Shaanxi province received 371,000 inbound tourists, with a total expenditure of 4.14 billion yuan ($581.15 million), an increase of 55.11 percent and 46.76 percent year-on-year, respectively. During the summer vacation (July to August), the Tang Dynasty Xi'an received a year-on-year increase of 47 percent in international tourists, becoming an important stop for the world to learn about Chinese culture.

With the rollout of policies such as the 240-hour visa-free transit and regional visa-free entry, consumption enthusiasm among overseas tourists has increased. As of Aug 21, over 150,000 international visitors had entered Xi'an Port this year, a year-on-year increase of 122 percent.

From January to July, the Shaanxi General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection inspected more than 1.14 million inbound and outbound personnel and more than 8,300 flights, an increase of 60 percent and 65 percent respectively year-on-year.

Among them, more than 94,000 people and over 800 flights were inspected traveling to and from Central Asian countries, increases of 41 percent and 19 percent. Over 138,000 passengers entered via Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, a year-on-year increase of 126 percent.

Xi'an is attracting more international tourists with an inclusive attitude, contributing to the city's high-level opening-up.