Chongqing sub-venue dazzles audience with traditional, modern features

The Spring Festival Gala's sub-venue in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, thrilled viewers on Tuesday with a series of performances that blended traditional and modern elements of the mountainous city.

Hosted by the China Media Group (CMG), the gala this year features four sub-venues in addition to the main stage in Beijing, namely Chongqing Municipality, Lhasa City in Xizang Autonomous Region, Wuhan City in Hubei Province, and Wuxi City in Jiangsu Province. The main stage was set up at the Danzishi Square, one of the best spots in the downtown area of Chongqing to enjoy the spectacular view of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers converging.

A series of performances ranging from lion dances, to intangible cultural heritage displays, and folk traditions were showcased in turn, while a dazzling light show featuring an intelligent lighting array of 780 new energy vehicles was staged, creating a marvelous visual spectacle.

Meanwhile, at the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park, Chinese and international singers, together with over 100 local workers delivered a mesmerizing performance, highlighting the international, green, smart, and people-centered features of the modern metropolis.

The gala, also known as "Chunwan", was first broadcast back in 1983 and is seen as a major cultural symbol for the traditional Spring Festival celebrations in China.

Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's most-watched annual TV program, the hours-long television extravaganza attracts over a billion views every year.

The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, falls on Jan 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake.

Chongqing sub-venue dazzles audience with traditional, modern features

Chongqing sub-venue dazzles audience with traditional, modern features

Chongqing sub-venue dazzles audience with traditional, modern features

Chongqing sub-venue dazzles audience with traditional, modern features

More than 20 films will hit Chinese screens during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday from Saturday to Monday, spanning genres from revolutionary historical dramas, realism movies to suspense thrillers, according to the China Film Administration on Thursday.

Revolutionary historical films such as Blood-Spattered Cliff, Eight Sons, Eight Soldiers, and Half Of The Quilt, will pay tribute to martyrs through the lens.

Three films -- It's OK, Now I Met Her, and Sunshine Women's Choir -- tell moving stories of love, growth, and reconciliation.

It's OK is a contemporary family comedy that follows a mother and daughter navigating their joyful yet turbulent relationship. Now I Met Her tells a rebellious teenager who gets to know his late mother through her old diary. Sunshine Women's Choir, a film from the Taiwan region of China, portrays the "perfect" maternal love of "imperfect mothers."

The suspense film Game of Identity tells the story of two people from different backgrounds who accidentally swap lives, setting off an unexpected adventure. The documentary films Seeking Nature: The Code of Life, and Missions to the Moon (Part One) explore the connection between humanity and science.

Imported films from different countries, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, Project Hail Mary, and Hoppers, will deliver spectacular cinematic experiences to audiences.

The Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, falls on April 5 this year. It is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tribute to ancestors. The holiday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens as they engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Over 20 films expected to hit Chinese screens during Qingming Festival Holiday