↑A ferris wheel in Vienna's Scheonbrunn Palace
VIENNA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Thirty years ago, romantic movie "Before Sunrise" brought global fame to Vienna, highlighting its unique blend of romance and artistry. In winter, the city transforms into a real-life fairy tale, with every street corner adorned with festive lights and decorations.
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↑ A couple take a selfie in front of a light installation in Vienna
↑ People spend their leisure time in front of Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral
From early November to late December, Vienna's famous holiday markets come alive. Visitors flock to these markets to sip mulled wine, glide across ice skating rinks, or enjoy a nostalgic carousel ride.
↑A Christmas market in front of Vienna's town hall
↑People skate in front of Vienna's Scheonbrunn Palace
↑A girl rides carousel at a festival market in front of Vienna's town hall
November and December are crucial months for Vienna's tourism industry. According to the Vienna Tourist Board, international visitors make up 80% of hotel guests during this period. In 2023, the city recorded a peak in accommodation revenues of approximately 267 million euros, demonstrating its enduring appeal as a winter destination. Travelers from around the world can immerse themselves in an unforgettable winter experience here.
↑Tourists from Georgia pose for photos in front of Vienna's Belvedere Palace
↑Tourists from Germany celebrate the new year in Vienna's town hall
↑A couple kiss each other to celebrate the new year in Vienna's town hall
As a city rich in history and culture, Vienna is home to world-class museums, galleries, and concerts. Winter marks the peak of its cultural calendar. Highlights include the globally renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's New Year's Concert on Jan. 1 and the Vienna State Opera season, which typically begins in February. These events draw countless visitors every year, cementing Vienna's reputation as a cultural capital.
↑The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performs under the baton of conductor Riccardo Muti during the 2025 Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert in Vienna, Austria, Jan. 1, 2025. (Dieter Nagl/The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Handout via Xinhua)
↑A couple kiss each other in front of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt's work "Kiss" at Vienna's Belvedere Palace
↑A visitor looks at a piece of work by Rembrandt at Vienna's Art History Museum
Vienna in winter is like a glass of mulled wine: it dispels the cold and warms the heart. In this enchanting wonderland, visitors can savor the city's charm and indulge in its magical winter flavor.
Photographers: He Canling, Han Lu