China Media Group has completed the third dress rehearsal of the 2026 Spring Festival Gala Dinner. In addition to the main venue in Beijing, four secondary stages in the cities of Harbin, Yiwu, Hefei and Yibin were also staged for the first time. The new locations strengthened the overall dramaturgical unity of the program and expanded its regional dimension.
The program includes indigenous music, dance, opera and martial arts and seeks to capture the contemporary dynamics of China in the modern era. The creators emphasize the festive atmosphere and the blending of traditional culture with modern stagecraft.
Traditional aesthetics in a modern design
The main stage brings innovative creative approaches inspired by traditional Chinese aesthetics. The flower-inspired vocal performance uses AI-generated visuals and augmented reality to symbolize the changing seasons and the vitality of nature.
Another performance draws inspiration from the murals of the ancient Silk Road and brings historical art to the theatre stage. A musical number inspired by traditional Suzhou storytelling emphasizes family values and shared hopes for the future. This special opera performance bridges multiple regional styles and brings artists from different generations on stage to celebrate the richness of China's operatic heritage together.
Regional scenes show cultural diversity
Each side stage highlights the specific character of its region. The northeastern city of Harbin in Heilongjiang Province offers a combination of singing, symphonic music and ballet that captures the atmosphere of a winter city.
Yiwu in Zhejiang province combines folkloric elements with a modern scene, referencing the city's status as a major global business centre.
Hefei in Anhui Province combines dance inspired by traditional ink painting with operatic elements and technological visual effects.
Yibin in Sichuan Province sets the scene in the environment around the Yangtze River and combines folk traditions with themes of family reunion and holiday joy.
Gala evening as a symbol of family reunion
The Spring Festival Gala has long been one of the most watched cultural events in China and is a symbol of family reunion during the Lunar New Year celebration. Organizers continue to fine-tune the program to offer audiences at home and abroad a culturally rich and emotionally powerful evening that combines traditional aesthetics with universal human values.
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