China Media Group’s 2026 Spring Festival Gala will spotlight acrobatic and dance performances that push creative boundaries, with director Bi Bo promising fresh innovations when the show airs at 20:00 on Monday.
The Gala, themed "Galloping Steed, Onward Unstoppable," will present a diverse lineup of performances ranging from singing and dance to opera, martial arts, skits and magic. Its live broadcast on Chinese New Year's Eve has become a cherished tradition in hundreds of millions of homes.
This year's programs will creatively integrate technology with traditional skills, feature engaging interactive performances, and showcase visually stunning collaborations between Chinese and international artists.
"This year's acrobatic program marks our first attempt to combine acrobatics with technology, especially visual technology. The inspiration for all acrobatic and dance programs stems from the artistry and significance of the performances themselves, or from the memories and significance of our television broadcasting technologies as we explore and develop," Bi explained.
Carrying the memories of generations, the song "Unforgettable Tonight" will be performed in a brand-new way this year.
"'Unforgettable Tonight,' as the closing song of the Spring Festival Gala, has been sung for over 30 years, according to rough estimates. We hope that every new presentation brings fresh expressions," Bi added.
Falling on Tuesday this year, the Spring Festival marks the start of the Chinese New Year and ushers in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac.
Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s most-watched television program, it continues to draw hundreds of millions of viewers each year.
CMG’s 2026 Spring Festival Gala acrobatic, dance acts to showcase fresh innovations
