Performers of Spring Festival Gala share heartwarming moments behind curtain

As China Media Group's 2026 Spring Festival Gala counts down to its global broadcast, cast members have been sharing their behind-the-scenes experiences and heartfelt wishes -- fueling even greater anticipation for the highly awaited show.

The gala, set to air on Chinese New Year's Eve on February 16, completed its fourth rehearsal on Sunday. Through the performers' exclusive previews of both backstage moments and on-stage highlights, the festive spirit has already begun radiating from the rehearsal venue to audiences everywhere.

"We're part of the sub-venue in Sichuan Province, and this year it's in Yibin -- a city famous for its baijiu. So, our performance is themed around that. It's wonderful to be surrounded by fellow Sichuanese -- there's a shared sense of joy and national prosperity," said Tan Songyun, an actress from Sichuan Province, who will perform in this year's Spring Festival Gala.

"My performance this year is a choir piece. It really captures that warm, happy atmosphere of family togetherness during the Chinese New Year," said another performer, Song Weilong.

This year marks actress Bai Lu's second appearance on the Spring Festival Gala stage. She hinted that audiences can expect even more surprises this time around.

"The highlight of our act is the cast -- eight of us, four men and four women. It's youthful and energetic. Compared with last year, I'm not as nervous this year. That's probably the biggest change in me. Still, being back for the gala is just as thrilling. It's truly an honor to spend the New Year with everyone," she said.

For those stepping onto the stage of what's recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's most-watched TV program for the first time, the thrill is often mixed with a touch of nerves.

"This is my first time performing at the Gala, so I feel incredibly honored -- and yes, quite nervous of course. Knowing that millions of viewers will watch from home, I really want to deliver something memorable and offer a fresh take on the celebrations. I'm especially grateful to share the stage with some of the artists I've long admired. It feels like a beautiful journey," said Ning Chang, an actress from Taiwan.

To spread the festive cheer, several performers have chosen to wear outfits rich in symbolic meaning -- hoping to convey joy and good fortune through every detail.

"Just look at this outfit -- it's all about festivity. Festivity is a must. But beyond that, I believe the real blessing lies in the happiness that surrounds us. As we enter the Year of the Horse, I hope everyone can reach out and seize that blessing -- may your days be bright and your luck abundant," said Zhang Xincheng, a singer and actor.

For many, the Spring Festival Gala is more than just an annual televised event. It is a vessel of childhood memories, and performing on this stage is nothing short of a dream fulfilled.

"I used to watch it on TV when I was a little kid. When I came in for rehearsals and finally saw the full stage up close, it was such an emotional moment -- equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking," said Bi Wenjun, one of the performers of the Gala.

"I'm truly excited -- this truly is a stage that so many dream of. I feel incredibly fortunate to be here. To all the viewers out there: Happy Year of the Horse, a joyous New Year, and may everything go well with you," said another performer, Li Yunrui.

The Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been a major cultural symbol of the Chinese New Year celebrations in China since its debut in 1983. Every Chinese New Year's Eve, families and friends across the country gather to enjoy a variety show featuring songs, dances, comic sketches, operas, folk arts, and other performances.

Performers of Spring Festival Gala share heartwarming moments behind curtain

South China's Guangdong Province is accelerating its transformation into an international medical tourism hub, positioning itself as a destination for patients worldwide seeking affordable, high-quality care.

The push follows a joint initiative announced in late March by nine Chinese government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, aimed at boosting spending by foreign tourists and enhancing exports of tourism services as part of broader efforts to expand the country's service sector.

Every day, some of the most complex surgeries are performed here. Li Zilun, deputy director of the division of vascular surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‑sen University, is among the doctors capable of carrying out these intricate procedures.

He recently completed surgery on a patient with an aortic aneurysm, a condition often described as a "time bomb" in the body’s main artery, increasingly common in aging societies around the globe. Li also specializes in highly difficult and pioneering procedures, including repairing leaks caused by failed grafts.

"This was a very challenging case. And then, we implanted the covered stent to eliminate the endoleak. Actually, the outcome was pretty good. The patient will be discharged today," said Li Zilun.

The ability to handle such complex cases -- combining international techniques with domestically produced devices -- is drawing patients from around the world to seek treatment. In addition, high safety standards and low costs are also major draws.

"Our government is encouraging innovation. So, lots of physicians -- including our vascular surgeons -- we are actively involved in the innovation that helps to increase the effectiveness and safety, and also bring down the cost," said Li.

This hospital is one of the first in Guangdong to be designated by the provincial health commission as a pilot site for building an international medical service hub.

The growing number of patients has pushed the hospital to explore new ways to transform every step -- from treatment to payment and everything in between -- into a seamless experience, reducing waiting times and delivering better care for patients.

"I think it's fast. When the patient come here for just about, I think, one week, you can solve the problem," said Xiao Haipeng, president of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.

The hospital is also deepening its international cooperation with top-tier medical institutions, including those at Harvard University.

"Not just for China, for the whole globe, we are facing health care challenges -- emerging infectious disease and chronic, lung infectious diseases, and also the aging population, also the shortage of healthcare workforce," said Xiao.

In response to these challenges, China is promoting its own solutions, including aggressive innovation in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven workflows, while stepping up research and development investment and global engagement along the way.

"In recent years, the innovation in Western medicine is dramatically growing. An example of my hospital -- in the past few years, we have 140 innovations and seven of them are international leading innovations," said Xiao.

As global demand for medical tourism grows, China is positioning itself as a new destination. Official data shows that the number of foreign patients in Guangdong increased by 20 percent last year. Among them, the growth in inpatient admissions was even faster, rising by 76 percent.

Guangdong fast-tracks pilot for int'l medical service hub