Heartfelt performance puts spotlight on sign language at Lantern Festival Gala

A touching performance which shone a spotlight on sign language was held during the Lantern Festival Gala on Wednesday to pay tribute to the perseverance of people facing life's challenges, with performers from the China Disabled People's Art Troupe taking to the stage alongside popular Chinese pop singer Liu Yuning.

Hosted by the China Media Group (CMG), the gala boasted a star-studded lineup and delivered a high-tech visual-audio feast for viewers tuning in from around the world to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which landed on Wednesday this year.

The performance started with Liu's lyrics being interpreted in graceful style by a sign language performer, whose movements were reflected onto the star-shaped stage backdrop in a silhouette style.

Later, a larger group from the China Disabled People's Art Troupe joined the singer, and signed out inspirational phrases including "never give up", "hold on right to the end", and "we're all hard-working people", moving some audience members to tears.

This year, the CMG has sought to ensure its gala shows can reach a wider audience through barrier-free broadcasts for the visually impaired and the hearing impaired with highly-experienced staff helping deliver the necessary interpretations. This element was introduced for the first time during the recent Spring Festival Gala, allowing more people to enjoy the televised variety show with family and friends.

First broadcast in 1985, this year's Lantern Festival Gala again staged a whole host of entertaining variety performances including energetic song and dances, comedy sketches, as well as traditional operas and magic shows, highlighting China's unique cultural charm.

The Lantern Festival, observed on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on Feb. 12 this year, and marks the conclusion of the country's Spring Festival celebrations, which center around the Chinese New Year.

China on Tuesday sent the Yaogan-50 01 remote sensing satellite into space.

Launched at 22:16 (Beijing Time) aboard a modified version of the Long March-6 rocket, the satellite has entered planned orbit, according to the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.

It will be used for national land surveys, crop yield estimation, and disaster prevention and mitigation.

The launch was the 624th flight mission undertaken by the Long March rocket series and marked China's first successful orbital launch of 2026.