Langzhong Welcomes the World for 2026 Spring Festival Celebrations in the Birthplace of the Spring Festival

As the 2026 Spring Festival approaches, Langzhong, known as the “Ancient City of the World and Birthplace of the Spring Festival,” is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration. Announced during a February 4 briefing on cultural and tourism activities by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Nanchong City revealed an extended holiday period for the upcoming Lunar New Year, running from January 26 to March 4, 2026. This extraordinary stretch from the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month to the sixteenth day of the first lunar month invites visitors from around the world to immerse themselves in the most authentic and enriching Chinese New Year traditions.

Langzhong’s festivities promise to offer a deep dive into the cultural and historical significance of the Spring Festival, which has roots dating back over 1,500 years. A highlight of the celebrations will be the “Langzhong Stone Rubbing Exhibition for the Lunar New Year.” This captivating exhibit showcases rare rubbings of ancient stone inscriptions, allowing visitors to trace the history and evolution of this cultural milestone through tangible imprints of the past. In addition, visitors will encounter the “Old Man of the Spring Festival,” a figure dressed in traditional attire who will roam the city streets, offering blessings and wishing everyone a prosperous new year.

The city’s offerings go beyond exhibitions, with an array of interactive cultural experiences for visitors of all ages. One of the central attractions will be the vibrant intangible cultural heritage (ICH) market, where more than 40 nationally and provincially recognized ICH items will be on display. This bustling market will give visitors the chance to engage with traditional crafts, such as creating shadow puppets and cutting intricate paper window decorations—activities that bring these ancient customs to life.

For those interested in local folklore, Langzhong offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness a performance of the Ba Commandery Nuo Opera, a unique ICH item from Sichuan Province. This ritualistic opera blends ancient religious practices with folk theater and offers a truly mesmerizing insight into the region’s mystic traditions. The opera is just one part of Langzhong’s immersive cultural programming, which also includes the New Year Grand Temple Fair. This expansive event brings together cultural performances, themed exhibitions, and modern recreational attractions, ensuring that every visitor, from children to adults, will find something to enjoy. Visitors can also experience the grand-scale stage play Legend of Langyuan, which brings Langzhong’s rich history to life, or embark on unique activities such as water tours or low-altitude flights over the picturesque landscape.

Langzhong’s title as the “Ancient City of the World and Birthplace of the Spring Festival” stems from its pivotal role in Chinese calendrical history. In the Western Han Dynasty, the astronomer Luo Xiahong compiled the groundbreaking Taichu Calendar, marking the first formalization of the Spring Festival as a fixed annual event. His work integrated the 24 solar terms into the Chinese calendar system, designating the first day of the first lunar month as the official start of the year. Luo Xiahong’s contributions earned him the title of the original “Old Man of the Spring Festival,” as his work profoundly shaped Chinese agricultural and cultural life for over two millennia. This historical connection is why Langzhong holds such an important place in the heart of the Spring Festival celebrations.

Today, Langzhong continues to honor its legacy, offering the most authentic Lunar New Year customs, while welcoming travelers from around the globe to experience the warmth and hospitality of its people. The 2026 Spring Festival in Langzhong promises to be a celebration of history, culture, and tradition—a must-see destination for anyone looking to fully experience the magic of the Chinese New Year.

Whether you are exploring ancient relics, participating in hands-on craft workshops, or enjoying spectacular performances, Langzhong’s 2026 festivities will offer a truly unforgettable New Year experience, steeped in centuries-old traditions and the vibrant spirit of the Spring Festival.

The post Langzhong Welcomes the World for 2026 Spring Festival Celebrations in the Birthplace of the Spring Festival appeared first on Travel And Tour World.