A short film about expats spending the Spring Festival in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, has commenced filming at Xi'an's Guanzhong Academy, with renowned cultural scholars Han Yangmin, Shang Ziyong, Fu Gongzhen, and Yang Zhao attending the launch ceremony.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Li Yue, the production features five international participants from the United States, Germany, Spain, Argentina, and Moldova, some of whom are visiting Xi'an for the first time.

International guest experience paper cutting. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

The international guests explored the vibrant Tang Dynasty (618-907) culture at the Grand Tang Mall, savored Shaanxi delicacies at Yongxingfang and Tongshengxiang, and experienced the bustling atmosphere of the Xiaonanmen morning market.

At the Shaanxi Folklore Society, they watched Heyang string puppetry performances and the shadow play Monkey King Subdues the White-Bone Demon while dressed in Hanfu, traditional Chinese attire. They also experienced papercutting, dough figurine, and guqin music demonstrations and tried their hand at these crafts, deepening their appreciation of Chinese heritage.

An international guest experiences guqin music. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

In a heartwarming moment, the group sang The Moon Represents My Heart together, exchanging Chinese New Year blessings amid laughter.

As night fell, the visitors gathered for photos under the brilliantly lit-up Bell Tower. Touched by the festive ambiance, the international guests captured memories by the "Chang'an" sign. Moldovan participant Lu Shan remarked, "Xi'an is amazing! Though the day was tiring, it was incredibly rewarding. Happy Chinese New Year to all!"

International friends dressed in hanfu pose for a group photo. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]