China Media Group's 2026 Spring Festival Gala promo displayed in Barcelona

Promotional video for China Media Group (CMG)'s 2026 Spring Festival Gala was shown on giant screens at iconic landmarks in Spain’s Barcelona just days before the Gala airs.

This year's Spring Festival Gala is set to deliver a mesmerizing spectacle on Chinese New Year's Eve on Feb 16.

This is the third consecutive year CMG has organized cultural promotion activities in Barcelona, showcasing the gala's growing international influence.

Moreover, the iconic buildings in Barcelona, such as Torre Glòries and Casa Batlló, were illuminated in red on Tuesday in celebration of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, which will fall on Feb 17.

At Torre Glòries, the themed poster and promotional video for CMG's Spring Festival Gala were projected on a loop across multiple digital screens.

"The participation of international figures (in the Spring Festival Gala) demonstrates a willingness and understanding that, ultimately, it's not something specific to China, but rather something for the whole world," said Aleix Pratdepàdua, director of the Mirador Torre Glòries.

The exhibition also generated great interest among visitors.

"I didn't know the gala was so accessible — that it can be watched from Spain, translated into so many languages, even into Spanish, and that it can be followed online. It really makes me curious," said Sergi, a Barcelona resident.

At Casa Batlló, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an oriental-style light show was held on the same day, with the site bathed in a warm red glow.

Other activities were also held, including dragon and lion dance performances, displays of traditional Chinese attire, and screenings of the Spring Festival Gala promotional video across all the building's screens, attracting the attention of many international tourists.

"The truth is, I watch the entire gala every year because each segment is more beautiful than the last. You watch one and and you're like, 'Wow!', and the you see the next and you're like 'Wow! it's all incredible,'" said Ari, a staff member at Casa Batlló.

Technological innovation was particularly highlighted in the promotional videos.

"The use of technology is truly impressive — the innovation and how technology is applied. We really like it because innovation can sometimes be difficult, and technology allows us to create galas with brilliant lighting, spectacular special effects, and the use of the latest technological achievements," said Jaume Baró Torres, Secretary of Enterprise and Competitiveness of the Ministry of Business and Labour in the Government of Spain's Catalonia region.

In addition, promotional videos for the "China Travel with Chinese Films" initiative were also showcased at the site, sparking lively discussion among the audience about Chinese films and inspiring many to express hopes of visiting China in person.

Growing interest in China has been reflected in the rising number of Spanish visitors.

"With the continuous optimization of our unilateral visa exemption policy, more and more international friends are able to take advantage of the convenience of visa-free travel to China. We currently have around 60 direct flights per week between China and Spain, 20 of them from Barcelona. The Spring Festival is proving very attractive to them. Thanks to the visa exemption policy, the number of visitors to China from Spain's Catalonia region has increased by 60 percent," said Meng Yuhong, Consul General of China in Barcelona.

China Media Group's 2026 Spring Festival Gala promo displayed in Barcelona

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has "never been better" and is thriving under the National Security Law, with the legislation helping stabilize the city, according to Allen Zeman, chairman of the Lan Kwai Fong Group.

The High Court of the HKSAR on Monday sentenced former newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison, after considering his "serious and grave criminal conduct." Lai was found guilty on two charges of conspiring to collude with external forces and one charge of conspiracy to publish seditious materials. The court ruled that Lai was "the mastermind and driving force behind these conspiracies."

Zeman spoke to China Global Television Network (CGTN) after the sentencing.

He stressed that Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity have improved since the law's introduction.

"I say that those people don't know what they're talking about, because I can say what I want up to a point. It's the same as most countries, you know, but you can't collude with a foreign government against your country, wherever that is. The National Security Law, I've read so many of them, and I can tell you it's not done. It's not allowed. It's a crime," he said.

"In Hong Kong, [it's] the same thing, we get behind one leader. We all work together. And the people's lives have gotten better and better. Hong Kong right now is thriving. Hong Kong has never been better at the moment. The National Security Law really helped Hong Kong to stabilize," said Zeman.

On Hong Kong's future, Zeman said the city will remain a global marketplace and a vital connector between the Chinese mainland and the world. He pointed to Hong Kong’s low tax base and strong financial infrastructure as key advantages.

"People trust Hong Kong. It has a low tax base, free flow of capital in and out. In most countries, it's not exactly like that. You know, there's restrictions and all that. In Hong Kong, you can have the money come in and out, low tax of 15 percent, one of the lowest taxes in the world as well. And that kind of gives Hong Kong the stability. And most companies who want to go into China set up their head office in Hong Kong. We have all the top banks in Hong Kong. Last year and this year again, we've had about almost 300 conventions and exhibitions in the Hong Kong convention center and from countries all over the world. Everybody comes here now, because they see it's really the marketplace of the world. I've been here a long time. It's always been good, but it's never been as good as it is now," said Zeman.

Zeman defends National Security Law after Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong