Xian was the birthplace of one of the world’s most important civilisations, which enjoyed a status equal to that of ancient Athens, Cairo and Rome. Situated on China’s southern Guanzhong plain, it is the capital of Shaanxi province, surrounded by hills, mountains and rivers, an auspicious combination of natural features according to Chinese tradition.

Xian offers many attractions and activities that are suitable for families travelling with children and some opportunities for the young ones to try out their creative talents, such as in producing clay sculptures, making paper cut-outs and designing and building kites.

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is one of the oldest New Year festivals in the world, falling on the 1st day of the 1st lunar month. Festivities last for about 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. Most businesses shut down during this period, although officially only for four days. Preparations begin a month in advance, with major house-cleaning, to sweep out any bad luck. Doors and windows are often freshly painted; and colours for the festival are red (for happiness) and gold (a symbol of wealth). Decorative paper cut-outs and paintings are displayed and poetic expressions, wishing happiness and longevity, are written on red paper and typically put up on doors or gateposts. On New Year’s night, families prepare enormous feasts of seafood and dumplings and traditional New Year cakes. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky throughout the country. People visit relatives, friends and neighbours the following day, offering New Year greetings and married couples give red packets with money to children and unmarried adults. High-energy dragon dances, colourful lantern shows and other entertainment are all part of the extravagant celebrations.

Xian’s Yang Airport (XIY) is located around 30 miles north-west of the city and is an important transportation hub for central China. Listed as China’s fourth busiest airport, it services 68 domestic connections daily. Newer routes include flights connecting Xian with Jiuzhaigou, Lianyungang, Ningbo and Zhengzhou. International services connect Xian with Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. There are also airline routes connecting the US, Canada and Europe via transfers in Beijing or Shanghai.