Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, recently showcased its cultural heritage through Xiaoyaojin Park – a newly designated sub-venue for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala celebrating the Year of the Horse. The historic site, dating back to the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD), gained renewed attention during this year's celebrations for its legendary association with military strategist Sun Quan's famed horseback leap during the Battle of Xiaoyaojin.
Visitors to the park can explore stone bridges and Ming-style pavilions that stand alongside modern lighting installations created for the gala. Local authorities have enhanced cultural programming this year, including nightly projections recounting the site's 1,800-year history through augmented reality displays.
The park's integration into China's most-watched televised event highlights regional efforts to promote historical tourism. With visitor numbers up 40% compared to last January, tourism analysts predict sustained interest through the Lunar New Year holiday season.
