Tourists attracted by drum and gong competition in Xi'an

The 2025 New Year's Gong and Drum Competition, held on Feb 10 in Weiyang Palace in Chang’an City of the Western Han Dynasty National Archaeological Site Park in Xi’an, Shaanxi province in Northwest China, attracted many residents and tourists from home and abroad.

Representative teams from 11 districts and development zones in Xi'an, along with nearly 500 gong and drum players, together presented a grand cultural performance and an inspiring feast that showcases the charm of Chang'an and brings artistic enjoyment to the audience.

“The Spring Festival, as a world intangible cultural heritage and a core festival of China, contains rich cultural essence and national emotions. Drums and gongs are not only musical instruments, but also symbols of traditional culture and spirit," said Bai Liqun, director of Xi'an Mass Art Museum.

The competition was also broadcast online. Nearly 450,000 people watched the performance for free on Shaanxi Public Culture Cloud and Xi'an Cultural and Tourism Voice.