Grassroots workers invited to Spring Festival Gala rehearsal

Two grassroots workers were invited to watch live the third rehearsal for China Media Group's 2026 Spring Festival Gala on Saturday, as part of the "Spring Festival Gala Awaits You" campaign.

Among the invited guests were Liu Xiaomei, a cafeteria worker known for her sincere and emotional service style, and community police officer Shao Nan, affectionately known by locals as the "daughter of the neighborhood."

"Sitting in the audience, I felt that the stage design and lighting were simply stunning. I was so excited, just incredibly happy, honestly. I think I especially loved the group dances and the young backup dancers. They're about the same age as the students at Yanbian University where I work. I was deeply moved by their youthful energy and vibrancy," said Liu.

"The atmosphere at the Gala rehearsal was genuinely thrilling. It made my heart race, really 'thump-thump-thump' inside my chest. The visual and audio effects were just breathtaking. Some of the comedy sketches and skits really drew me in, made me feel like I was part of the moment. I was even moved to tears," said Shao.

The "Spring Festival Gala Awaits You" campaign will continue to invite outstanding representatives from all walks of life to experience the festive atmosphere of China's most-watched cultural event up close.

China's short track speed skating team, along with the snowboard big air and slopestyle team, arrived in Milan of Italy early Saturday morning, officially kicking off their Winter Olympics journey as the first batch of Team China athletes arriving.

The Chinese short track speed skating team is sending 10 athletes to this edition of the Winter Olympics. The team planned to hold its first on-ice training session later in the afternoon.

"I think the time difference is okay. I had some sleep aboard the plane and then arrived here," said team member Fan Kexin.

"I have been here before, but that was many years ago, four or five years ago. This is my second time. Every venue has its own style, and each course is different, so I am really looking forward to it," said Yang Wenlong, a member of the snowboard big air and slopestyle team.