China Media Group (CMG) successfully completed the first rehearsal of the 2026 Spring Festival Gala Dinner on Saturday, reaching an important milestone - with 30 days to go before the Chinese New Year celebrations. During the rehearsal, programs of various genres were seamlessly integrated with innovative technology, performing arts and visual design.
The Year of the Horse Gala adheres to the basic tone of „joy, festivity and auspicious omens“ and carries the theme „Galloping forward, unstoppable“. It draws on cultural heritage and is supported by cutting-edge technology, representing the vibrant, dynamic and progressive spirit of a new era.
The gala draws inspiration from the rich traditional Chinese culture and incorporates the motifs of the horse, which symbolise endurance, self-reliance and an entrepreneurial spirit. In keeping with the creative philosophy of connecting „ideas, art and technology“, the production continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression. Advanced technologies such as AI, AR, and XR are widely used in set design, creating immersive, three-dimensional visual effects in which performers and set design dynamically intertwine.
Art installations based on horse motifs form a scenic space reminiscent of thousands of horses galloping in a uniform rhythm, with distinct depth and rhythmic movement. Original songs with a vigorous rhythm capture the bold and soaring energy associated with the horse, while traditional Chinese opera programmes draw on the classical conventions of the tango, or „horse step“. Through innovative, story-driven choreography, these performances bring to life the elegance, power and vitality of equine symbolism.
The Year of the Horse Spring Festival Gala also marks another shift in the connection between technology and art. Smart production and digital innovation are deeply embedded in both staging and content creation, expanding audiences' ideas of what a festive New Year's atmosphere can look like. Following the extraordinary popularity of the dancing robots at last year's Year of the Snake Gala, the robots will take the stage again this year, showcasing creative uses of technology and highlighting China's latest advances in science and innovation.
With 30 days to go before the Chinese New Year's Eve gala is broadcast, the directing team will continue to hone each performance and perfect every detail. The goal is to offer viewers around the world a joyful, heartfelt and visually impactful Spring Festival Gala and to accompany families everywhere in celebrating a warm, vibrant and festive Chinese New Year.
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