CMG's 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala to meet global audiences on Sept 25

China Media Group (CMG) is filming its 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala in Huainan, east China's Anhui Province, with the lakeside stage set to highlight traditional and modern performances.

The gala is being filmed at Huainan's scenic People's Park. The spectacular waterside main stage embodies the elegance of Eastern aesthetics, with rippling waters and a poetic atmosphere that together create a dreamlike, shimmering visual experience.

Divided into three sections, the show weaves the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese nation with gentle, romantic performances that highlight traditional customs. The program conveys Mid-Autumn's warm wishes for reunion, peace, and prosperity.

"The gala will feature traditional Chinese opera, modern pop, as well as reinterpretations of classic tunes. It is about sharing the warmth of reunion and heartfelt longing with everyone on this special night," said Dong Jinming, executive director of the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala.

Huainan, a city with over a thousand years of history, serves as both a central area for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and a national-level new comprehensive energy base. Its deep ties to the Huaihe River's cultural legacy made it a fitting site for the celebration.

"We use three core concepts - Huai (the Huaihe River), water and moon - as the foundation for our design. An 80-meter diameter circular ring has been constructed on the water, forming a large, controllable performance area inside the ring. It appears as a full moon floating on the lake, symbolizing reunion on the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival. All the performances will take place on the stage in the style of a large piece of traditional Xuan paper on the flowing water. There is also a particularly large 18-meter diameter 'moon' that can move horizontally and serves as part of the background," said Wang Chen, chief stage designer of the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala.

The 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala will begin to air live worldwide at the prime viewing time of 20:00 on September 25 across multiple CCTV television channels, new media platforms, and international social networks, bringing the spirit of Mid-Autumn to global audiences.

To the Chinese, the Mid-Autumn Festival means family reunion and harmony. It is celebrated when the moon is full, and Chinese people believe a full moon is a symbol of reunion, harmony, and happiness. The festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.

CMG's 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala to meet global audiences on Sept 25

A special "Silk Road" film showcase was held in Cairo earlier this week, bringing five acclaimed Chinese films to Egyptian audiences and helping strengthen cultural ties between China and Egypt.

The five Chinese productions featured were the rally comedy Pegasus 3, the space documentary Shenzhou 13, the family drama Dear You, the animated adventure Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector, and the drama The Happiness Train.

The three-day film showcase, organized by China Media Group (CMG), drew Chinese and Egyptian filmmakers and moviegoers to talk about filmmaking and the film industry during the event.

Some Egyptian viewers said they could easily relate to the films' stories, regardless of differences in language or culture, and that the showcase gave them a chance to experience the everyday life and different perspectives from across China.

"Chinese films left a huge impression on me. Seeing China's first live-action space film and its outstanding effects was truly awe-inspiring," said Mustafa, an Egyptian movie- goer.

Since its launch in May 2026, the "Silk Road" film showcase has traveled to several Belt and Road countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, and most recently, Egypt.

Ahmed Badawy, managing director of the Egypt Film Commission, expressed support for the initiative.

"This is the second consecutive year we have hosted a Chinese film festival in Egypt. Last year's films were met with high acclaim and affection from Egyptian audiences. The most important aspect of this event is the cultural exchange between Egypt and China. Film is the art form that best reflects this mutual understanding and helps people learn about each other's customs. I see this as a strong and positive beginning for further exchanges," he said.

Egyptian film professionals also noted the rapid development of Chinese cinema in recent years, particularly in filmmaking technology, storytelling and visual effects. They said the showcase helped them learn more about China's film market and industry.

The event was widely covered by Egyptian media outlets.

Cairo hosts Chinese film showcase