The overseas Chinese in the United States are eagerly looking forward to the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, a grand celebration presented by the China Media Group (CMG), as the world's most watched TV show remains a major highlight of the festival.
Since 1983, the Spring Festival Gala has become the annual fixture for Chinese families on the Chinese New Year's Eve. which falls on February 16 this year, as Chinese people worldwide celebrate the Spring Festival, the most important Chinese festival centering on family reunions.
Known as "Chunwan," the gala always showcases a mix of performances, from music, comedy and traditional arts like opera and martial arts to spectacular acts such as magic and acrobatics.
Chen Jianrong, who immigrated to the United States in 1984 and now serves as the president of the United Overseas Fujianese Association of America, said that the Spring Festival Gala makes him feel closer to the motherland.
"I hope this year's gala will have a stronger sci-tech sense. For example, AI (artificial intelligence), which is very popular right now. They can use AI to present more elements of traditional Chinese art," said Chen.
Chen Zhaoyin, a resident of Long Island in New York and a council member of the China Overseas Friendship Association, said that watching the annual Spring Festival Gala has become an important ritual for his family.
"We have three generations living here. Every year we try to clear our schedules early so the whole family can watch the Spring Festival Gala together. We want to encourage the next generation to carry forward this good custom of celebrating the Chinese New Year and watching the Gala. It's a way to help more children born and raised in the United States come to know our Chinese culture," he said.
Chen Yun, who has lived in New York for many years and serves as the president of the New York Asian Women Group, said that the part where the hosts of the Gala give New Year's greetings specifically to overseas Chinese moves her the most.
"For us Chinese sons and daughters, the Spring Festival Gala is the moment when we are on the same frequency as our motherland," she said.
Overseas Chinese in US eagerly anticipate upcoming Spring Festival Gala
China launched the second event of its 2026 "Big Market for All: Export to China" campaign in Hangzhou City of east China's Zhejiang on Sunday, as part of the country's broader push to expand imports and tap the purchasing power of its vast consumer market.
The three-day event, co-hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, is bringing together global brands, importers and consumers under one roof.
Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao attended the launch ceremony of the event and delivered an address.
More than 1,000 imported products are on display, from food and consumer goods to advanced industrial components.
The campaign aims to turn China's massive market into a gateway for global products, according to officials.
"The event highlights China's determination to independently expand unilateral and self-reliant opening-up. It is also China's active response to the needs of its global trading partners and our practical step to work together with them to grow the pie of international trade," said Xiao Lu, deputy director of the Department of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce.
Nearly 100 import-focused companies are taking part, showcasing products and exploring opportunities in China's fast-growing consumer market.
"We have selected popular product choices favored by Chinese tourists who have visited Egypt," said Cao Kezhen, chief representative for China at the CHIMENA (China-India-Middle East-North Africa) Business Council.
Starting from May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, so many Egyptian businesses are eager to explore the Chinese market, Cao said.
New technologies are also helping bring overseas products closer to Chinese consumers.
"In recent years, China has introduced a range of policies to encourage imports. These measures allow Chinese consumers to buy quality products from around the world at competitive prices through cross-border e-commerce. Going forward, we plan to shift more focus onto the development of a digital supply chain from the traditional supply chain, customs declaration and inspection, logistics, warehousing and distribution," said Shan Li, chairman of High Store Tech, a supply chain service provider for global brands.
Sunday's event followed the inaugural gathering, which took place under the same theme in the national capital Beijing in February.
China launches event in Hangzhou to expand imports, boost consumption
