Officials in Nanchong have announced an extended festive programme at Langzhong Ancient City, positioning the historic destination as a cultural focal point for seasonal travel in Sichuan, China.

The announcement was made during a cultural tourism briefing ahead of the 2026 Spring Festival period, with celebrations scheduled to run from late January through early March. The extended calendar is designed to encourage both domestic and international visitors to explore the city’s longstanding association with traditional New Year customs.

Langzhong is widely recognised for its well-preserved architecture and deep-rooted cultural heritage, with festivities focusing on immersive experiences rather than large-scale spectacle. Programmes will include exhibitions of historic stone rubbings dating back more than 1,500 years, alongside interactive demonstrations of traditional crafts such as shadow puppetry and paper-cutting.

Cultural Immersion

Throughout the festival period, visitors can also encounter costumed cultural performers offering symbolic blessings associated with the New Year season. A heritage market featuring more than 40 nationally and provincially recognised intangible cultural heritage items will run alongside these activities, providing a platform for regional artisans and folk traditions.

Performance art will play a central role in the celebrations. Among the highlights is Ba Commandery Nuo Opera, a traditional form that blends ritual elements with folk storytelling. Cultural stage productions and temple fair-style events will also be staged across the ancient city, combining historic themes with contemporary visitor experiences.

Langzhong’s connection to New Year traditions is closely linked to Luo Xiahong, an astronomer of the Western Han dynasty who developed an early calendrical system in the city. His work helped formalise the structure of the lunar calendar and established the first day of the first lunar month as the start of the year, shaping seasonal observances for generations.

Today, this historical legacy continues to influence the city’s cultural identity. Local tourism planners say the extended festival period aims to present traditions in an accessible and educational format while supporting the preservation of regional heritage.

With its combination of historic streetscapes, living traditions and interactive programming, Langzhong Ancient City is positioning itself as a culturally focused destination for travellers seeking deeper engagement with seasonal customs.