By Li Kangzi

During the 2025 Spring Festival, Xunxian County, an ancient town in Hebi city, central China's Henan Province, became a preferred destination for many tourists seeking a unique cultural and tourism experience.

As a national historical and cultural town, Xunxian's cultural tourism sector extends far beyond daytime activities, offering visitors fresh ways to experience both the county's historical charm and modern vitality.

As night falls, the ancient county comes alive under a canopy of colorful lights. Beneath the ancient city wall, traditional lanterns blend seamlessly with modern light installations, creating a mesmerizing, time-traveling atmosphere.

The bustling night market of the ancient county has become one of the liveliest attractions during the Spring Festival.

In addition to local delicacies such as the renowned "Xunxian eight bowls" (eight traditional dishes) and Zimo (pebble-baked stuffed flatbread), visitors can also savor a variety of street snacks while soaking up the festive ambiance of the ancient town at the night market.

Handicrafts, folk performances and other cultural activities are also part of the special offerings of the night market. While tasting the delicious food, tourists can also enjoy traditional dragon and lion dances, opera performances, and other festive spectacles that fill the night with joy.

The night economy of Xunxian County pays special attention to immersive cultural experiences. During the 2025 Spring Festival, the county launched a special night exhibition and interactive activities.

The exhibition and activities allowed visitors to explore the long-honored cultural relics in the night, listen to legends about Xunxian, and even participate in the production process of traditional handicrafts, thus experiencing the fun of "being a local of Xunxian County".

Amid the 17th Zhongyuan (Hebi) Folk Culture Festival held in Xunxian during the 2025 Spring Festival, the ancient city scenic area of Xunxian County hosted signature performances such as Shehuo parades and a fantasy stage play titled "Dream Back to Liyang".

Meanwhile, new consumption scenes in the ancient city scenic area provided tourists with fresh, diverse experiences.

According to data released by the local cultural and tourism authorities, during the 17th Zhongyuan (Hebi) Folk Culture Festival, Xunxian County saw a year-on-year growth of 35.82 percent in the number of visits, and a 47.1-percent increase in total tourism revenue.

Notably, visitors from outside Hebi city but within Henan Province accounted for 38.2 percent of the total, while tourists from outside the province made up 40.3 percent.