A mesmerizing dance performance showcasing Chinese mythology and ancient culture left audiences spellbound during the 2025 Lantern Festival Gala on Wednesday evening.
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.
The captivating dance display offered an interpretation of a benevolent ancient Chinese mythical creature called "Qilin" that is revered in Chinese folklore and is known for warding off evil and bringing serenity, good fortune and prosperity.
The choreography of the program was inspired by one of the passages in the "Classic of Poetry", the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry dating back thousands of years, which compares the noble virtue and charm of young aristocrats to that of Qilin.
Wearing extravagant costumes in jade white and bronze gold, dancers demonstrated a series of flowing moves which combined traditional and modern skills in a graceful but imposing manner.
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.
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.
Chinese mythology showcased in mesmerizing dance performance at Lantern Festival Gala
Due to the pressure on essential services caused by prolonged power shortages, Gaza residents are facing limited access to water, healthcare and sanitation, further deteriorating the already fragile humanitarian situation.
In Gaza, power cuts have become a daily reality. With electricity available only intermittently, many civilians are struggling to carry out even the most basic tasks.
The consequences are widespread, affecting everything from water supply systems to critical infrastructure. As outages persist, maintaining essential services is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
"I carry water in small containers. We don't have a large water tank, not even 500 liters, so we have to keep going back and forth, and water is not always available. Sometimes my son returns without being able to fill it," Mohammad Habib, a displaced Palestinian, told China Global Television Network (CGTN).
This ongoing energy crisis has also had a severe impact on critical hospitals, which rely heavily on generators to continue operating.
"If the generators stop, it will be a catastrophe and a real danger to everyone in the hospital, especially premature babies, dialysis patients and those in intensive care, as well as blood banks. Most departments would shut down. We are sounding the alarm that hospitals will stop functioning if fuel and oil are not allowed in as soon as possible," said Mohammad Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital.
International humanitarian organizations have warned of a potential collapse of essential services in Gaza if electricity supplies are disrupted. "Hospitals and medical centers in Gaza that are still able to function work under immense pressure and at risk of collapse. These hospitals work with shortages in energy, medical supplies and equipment," said Amani Al-Naouq, spokesperson for International Committee of Red Cross in Gaza.
According to Gaza's municipality, about 75 water wells rely on electricity and are at risk of shutting down, which would worsen conditions for displaced families whose homes have been destroyed.
Power shortages intensify humanitarian crisis in Gaza
