The 2026 Spring Festival Gala hosted by China Media Group completed its third rehearsal on Saturday, marking an exciting milestone as it revealed performances from four regional venues: Harbin in Heilongjiang province, Yiwu in Zhejiang province, Hefei in Anhui province, and Yibin in Sichuan province. These regional segments were combined with the main event in Beijing for the first full dress rehearsal, further enhancing the gala's overall cohesion and vibrancy.
The grand showcase of original songs, dances, traditional operas, martial arts, and more highlighted the spirit of the new era, capturing the dynamic beauty of China's future.
The gala's main venue brought together innovative creative expressions, blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern interactive and immersive elements. Notable highlights included He Hua Shen, a creative song and visual performance that used AI-generated imagery and live-stage projection technology. The performance, built around the theme of flowers, depicted the changing seasons, illustrating the eternal rhythm of life and nature. The innovative showpiece evoked both the passing of time and the persistence of beauty.
Silk Road Ancient Rhythms, a captivating dance choreographed with guidance from Tsinghua University's professor Chang Shana, transported audiences to the ancient Silk Road. The dance beautifully re-created the thousand-year-old murals of the period, offering a graceful journey through history's splendor.
Meanwhile, Little Family, Year After Year, a song incorporating the elegant Suzhou pingtan (a storytelling and singing style), celebrated the warmth of family and the promise of prosperity in the year to come, weaving a heartfelt narrative of happiness and hope.
In another highlight, The Pear Garden in Spring, a cross-genre fusion of Peking Opera, Pingju Opera, Yueju Opera, Cantonese Opera, and Yuju Opera, brought together performers from all generations singing and acting in harmony to depict the blooming beauty of traditional Chinese opera. This performance embodied the generational continuity and deep cultural roots of Chinese theatrical traditions.
The four regional venues each brought their unique flavor and spirit to the gala. From the icy landscapes of Harbin to the bustling commerce of Yiwu, the diverse performances reflected local cultures and landscapes in innovative ways.
In Hefei, the charm of Anhui province was brought to life with performances of traditional dance and Huangmei Opera. A stunning technological display featuring low-flying drones highlighted the harmonious fusion of technology and culture, illuminating the rich history and modern advancements of the region.
Finally, the Yibin segment, set against the backdrop of the Yangtze River, celebrated the cultural heritage of the city.
