Ordinary folks invited to attend 2nd rehearsal of CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala

China

Ordinary folks invited to attend 2nd rehearsal of CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala

2026-01-26 14:14 Last Updated At：16:27

The second rehearsal of the CMG (China Media Group) 2026 Spring Festival Gala held on Sunday continued to invite people from all walks of life to experience the lively festivity vibe up close.

Among the audience members this time were a music content creator, a volleyball coach, and a home appliance repair technician, all widely respected in their communities for professionalism and dedication.

"The atmosphere on site was incredibly lively, and I was deeply immersed in it. The live experience was so much different from watching it on television. The stage design and visual effects are thoughtful, and I'm deeply impressed in particular by the advanced technology fused with traditional elements. As a short-video content creator, I found many of the gala's creative ideas quite inspiring," said Hao Wenji, who is known for his unconventional music performances.

"I never dreamed of receiving an invitation from the gala. I was especially touched by the innocence and enthusiasm of the kid performers. As a coach, my job is also all about children. I am here on behalf of my students, and I hope that I can pass on the joy and inspiration gained from the experience to them," said Bao Changlin, who has devoted himself to training young volleyball players in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province for more than 20 years.

"The stage visuals and lighting are impressive and wonderful. I would like to share the amazing vibe with my family," said technician Song Jinbo, who is widely respected by local residents as a magician repairman.

The Spring Festival Gala, known in Chinese as "Chunwan", is an essential part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Featuring a diverse array of performances, including music, dance, comedy and drama, the gala presents a blend of art, technology and culture, and symbolizes family reunions and the joyful ushering in of the new year.

This year's gala will air on Feb. 16, the eve of the Chinese New Year.

Beijing park ice-snow carnival sees increasing visits

As schools in Beijing have started the winter vacation, the annual ice and snow carnival at the Yuanmingyuan Park, also known as the Old Summer Palace, sees increasing visits.

With an 80,000-square-meter area set for diverse ice and snow activities, the largest on its record, the ice and snow field at the park has become a popular destination for families to enjoy outdoor activities.

"We just come to feel for it here in winter. My kid happens to just have started her winter vacation, so I bring her here to get more contact with snow and enjoy the fun of playing with it," said Chen Nihua, a resident.

The ice field of the park features a 46-lane snow-tubing run that sends riders down in unison, and offers colorful activities such as electric sleds and snow zorbing.

"With the start of winter vacation, we have received an average of more than 300 visits daily, apparently more than usual. There are many children in the ice field, so we always remind parents of keeping the children company in all ice and snow sports, so as to ensure a safe and orderly playtime," said Wang Xiaodong, operating and managing director of the Yuanmingyuan Park.