The 2026 Spring Festival Gala presented by the China Media Group (CMG) featured its most international lineup to date, blending diverse artistic forms with cutting-edge technology and distinctly Chinese aesthetics, said chief director Yu Lei.
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Yu shared how this year's production is being designed to resonate with viewers around the globe while emphasizing that art can transcend language and culture.
"In terms of international content design, this year boasts the most abundant contents. Last year, we invited OneRepublic to our sub-venue, where they performed for the national audience, and the response was overwhelming," Yu said.
"This year, the international content has become even more abundant and diverse, featuring not only songs but also dance and acrobatics. The stamp of hoofs striking the ground is inherently rhythmic, which can be transformed into dance. Dance itself is an art form that transcends language. We recognize that there are dance forms based on foot movements around the world and the classic dance posture of feet stepping on the ground. Is it possible for us to select some particularly unique styles, combine them, and create a unified piece of art? It greatly reflects the values of a community with a shared future for mankind. Across cultures, many dances begin from the feet. And when dancers from different parts of the world step in unison, they create a shared rhythm. Today, the gala reaches audiences in more than 200 countries and regions," she said.
She gave the reasons why the gala resonates so strongly with global audiences, especially younger generations, highlighting the fusion of cutting-edge technology, Chinese aesthetics, and wonderful choreography.
"We believe this is due to our advanced technology, our uniquely Chinese aesthetic and visual presentation, as well as the beautiful songs and captivating dances, all reflecting the high quality of our creative work," she said.
The gala delivered a more than four-hour-long feast of captivating cultural performances and entertaining variety acts to audiences in celebration of the arrival of the Chinese New Year on Tuesday.
The Spring Festival Gala, or "Chunwan", is an annual TV extravaganza staged and broadcast by the CMG on the eve of the Chinese New Year, and is seen as essential part of the Spring Festival celebrations.
Since first being broadcast in 1983, the hours-long gala has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the most-watched annual television program on the planet.
2026 Spring Festival Gala expands global lineup, showcasing record int'l collaboration: chief director
