XI'AN, China, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 for Diplomats in China. As this year's final stop, it linked historic landmarks, hands-on intangible heritage crafts and the Silk Road International Arts Festival.

At the Shaanxi History Museum, Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the diplomats explored Shaanxi's history spanning thousands of years through artifacts and monuments. The ambassador of Belarus to China was deeply impressed by the continuity of Chinese civilization reflected in the museum collections.

The ambassador of the Republic of Albania to China was struck by the blend of ancient history and modern vitality in Xi'an. Performances such as Dream of Chang'an at the Xi'an City Wall and The Song of Everlasting Sorrow at Huaqing Palace, along with a nighttime stroll through Grand Tang Mall, brought the ancient capital's history to life. At the Shaanxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Center, the diplomats tried printmaking and made Song brocade hairpins and lotus lanterns, gaining insight into how traditional crafts thrive today.

As the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi'an has long been a meeting point for different cultures, and today brings together art from around the world. 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. Running through November 10, the festival features 83 performances, plus exhibitions of more than 420 artworks from 19 countries and regions, showing how cultural connections forged along the Silk Road continue through the arts. The ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to China expressed hope that greater people-to-people exchanges and cooperation would give the Silk Road new meaning for our time.

China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy remains available to eligible travelers. This year, the Shaanxi Inbound Service platform opened at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, offering multilingual assistance, travel bookings and itinerary planning. These services help international visitors explore Shaanxi beyond the Terracotta Warriors, from traditional crafts to international arts, and experience a destination where history meets the wider world.

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SOURCE Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism