Qin Shi Huang Takes the Wheel on Xi’an’s Viral Pink BYD Bus

Xi’an’s city sightseeing buses introduced a themed activity during the 2026 Spring Festival period that featured drivers role-playing as famous figures from ancient China.

The initiative allowed passengers to experience a themed commute where drivers adopted the personas of historical personalities. According to reports from China Youth Daily, passengers were able to book these specific experiences in advance through a mini-program.

The First Emperor as a Bus Driver

One of the most prominent figures featured in the activity was Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, who reigned from 221 to 206 BC.

Reports and video footage from the Xi’an Culture and Tourism WeChat video account showed the driver operating a pink BYD bus while dressed in full imperial regalia. The costume included a dragon robe and a mianliu, a traditional ceremonial crown with hanging beads.

The performance extended beyond the costume to include character-driven dialogue. The phrase I have been waiting for you for a long time (寡人候卿多时), delivered by the driver in the persona of the emperor, gained significant attention across online networks.

The Rise of NPC-Style Employment

The Xi’an sightseeing bus activity is part of a broader trend described as NPC-style working, where employees in the service and tourism industries adopt non-player character (NPC) personas to enhance the visitor experience.

While these creative approaches are designed to attract tourists and modernize traditional sightseeing, they have also sparked discussions regarding labor and professional standards. A report from Zhonggongwang noted that while such creativity can help a destination gain visibility, it is important that professional boundaries for workers are maintained.

The integration of role-playing into public transport services in Xi’an represents a shift toward immersive tourism, blending historical education with modern city infrastructure.

The themed activity coincided with the increased travel volume typical of the Spring Festival, utilizing the city’s sightseeing fleet to create a distinct cultural attraction for both residents and visitors.