As the Year of the Horse gallops toward us, it’s time to sweep away the dust of 2025 and embrace a world of vibrant color and ancient mystery. Dunhuang invites you to open a city-wide "New Year Blind Box"—a curated collection of festivities designed to surprise and delight. Leave your worries behind and bring your curiosity to the desert oasis, where the celebrations are guaranteed to be more spectacular than you ever imagined!
Silk Road Splendor: Lanterns, Parades, and Folk Wonders
From January through March, the Dunhuang Night Market will be bathed in the glow of the "Thousand Lanterns" Street Performance Festival, creating an immersive atmosphere of Tang Dynasty elegance. The rhythmic heart of the city beats loudest during the "Ancient Rhymes & Galloping Tides" Shehuo Festival (Feb 10 – March 1), featuring massive folk parades and intricate float tours that weave through the main streets. For a truly mesmerizing experience, head to the Danghe Riverbed (Feb 28 – March 2) to witness the Molten Iron Flower Show, an ancient tradition where liquid metal is transformed into a breathtaking rain of golden stars.
The Galloping Spirit: Horse Battles and High-Tech Skies
Celebrate the zodiac year with high-octane action at the Dunhuang Ancient City "Horse Battle" Reenactments (Feb 16 – March 3), where elite riders bring historical cavalry combat to life. This spirit of the steed extends into the future with the "Dawn of Dunhuang" Drone Light Show (Feb 21 – 22) at the Danghe Scenic Line, featuring hundreds of drones painting the night sky with celestial imagery. The season reaches its grand finale on March 3rd with the "Qi Ji" Fireworks Extravaganza at the White Horse Pagoda Bridge, a thunderous and beautiful salute to the prosperity of the new year.
Cultural Soul: Music, Opera, and Artistic Heritage
Dunhuang’s rich artistic legacy takes center stage during the 10th National Folk Music & Dance Art Week (Feb 8 – 12) at the Feitian Theater, offering a deep dive into China’s sonic traditions. For a taste of local heritage, the 12th Dunhuang Opera (Quzi) Grand Prix (Feb 24 – March 1) at Xiangyun Square showcases the unique storytelling of the region. Those seeking community energy can join the Square Dancing Competition (March 2) or test their strategic prowess at the 2nd Intellectual Sports Games (Feb 9 – 10), where chess and strategy reign supreme.
Creative Immersion: Hanfu, Crafts, and Family Joy
Get hands-on with history through the Non-Heritage Makeup & Hanfu Show, which includes workshops on carving Dunhuang Caisson wooden ornaments (Feb 15) at Dunhuang Boundless. The Dunhuang Library will also serve as a hub for family creativity, hosting workshops for "Cute Horse" New Year Hats (Feb 22) and Silk Road Lantern Making (March 1). These interactive sessions allow you to craft your own festive souvenirs while connecting with the intricate artistry that has defined Dunhuang for millennia.
Unbox the Magic: Your 2026 Dunhuang New Year "Blind Box" is Here!No More
