Northeast China's "ice city" of Harbin presented a whole host of heartwarming performances blending traditional charm with modern trends as one of the sub-venues of the 2026 Spring Festival Gala on Monday.
Hosted by the China Media Group (CMG), the long-running gala this year featured four sub-venues in addition to the main stage in Beijing. Taking the grand show to new locations each year has become a new tradition, shining a spotlight on more of China's varied landscapes and cultural traditions.
As well as Harbin, the other venues this year include Hefei, the provincial capital of the eastern Anhui Province which has emerged as a hub for sci-tech innovation, Yiwu in east China's Zhejiang, dubbed as "the world's supermarket," and Yibin in the southwestern Sichuan Province, known for its ancient architecture and picturesque scenery along the banks of the Yangtze River.
The gala segment sought to demonstrate the full charm of this winter wonderland of Harbin, which is the capital of the northeastern Heilongjiang Province.
Audiences were captivated by cutting-edge technology and a vibrant fusion of local and international cultures during the special performance themed "A Warm World of Snow and Ice," all set against the sparkling backdrop of this vibrant northern city.
Diverse delicacies in Harbin and dazzling paper-cuts were showcased while characteristic performances including yangko, a traditional folk dance renowned for its sweeping and twirling handkerchiefs, were all featured alongside the inclusion of international dances like ballet, embodying the rich folk customs of northern China and a strong international appeal.
Harbin is also renowned for its rich musical history dating back well over a century, including the Harbin Symphony Orchestra, which was founded back in 1908. Harbin was also honored by UNESCO as a "Music City" in 2010, becoming the first city in Asia to receive this honor.
Meanwhile, the local aerospace industry is leveraging its strength in research and development to maintain strong momentum as it boldly aims to hit new heights.
The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional holiday for the Chinese people, and watching the Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan," is a cherished part of the celebrations every year in hundreds of millions of Chinese homes.
Since first being broadcast in 1983, the gala has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the most-watched annual television program on the planet.
The Spring Festival itself was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024.
The 2026 Spring Festival falls on Tuesday this year, ushering in the Year of the Horse.
"Ice City" of Harbin hosts heartwarming performances as sub-venue for Spring Festival Gala
