China’s Chinese New Year Gala, a beloved annual tradition since 1983, continues to captivate millions of people around the world with its unique blend of tradition and innovation. This year’s gala, produced and broadcast by China Media Group (CMG), was held on the eve of the Chinese New Year, bringing together Chinese families from all over the world to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
As the most-watched television program in China, the Chinese New Year Gala has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting a staggering 11 billion views in 2023 across CMG media channels. This year’s gala promised an array of performances, including music, comedy, traditional arts such as opera and martial arts, and even cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality (XR) and immersive stage interaction.
One of the standout performances of the gala was a creative program showcasing the richness and diversity of China’s food culture, hinting at a prosperous Year of the Dragon. Chinese drum dancing, with its vibrant dancers in traditional costumes, also brought the stage to life with rhythmic drum beats. The choreography seamlessly merged precision and spontaneity, breathing new life into an ancient art form within a modern celebration.
In a continued spirit of innovation, the gala featured a show called NEW YEAR BROCADE that creatively combined music with advanced virtual synthesis technology. By transforming iconic symbols of ancient China into captivating displays, the show created an ancient fashion show where characters seemed to step out from paintings. This harmonious fusion of traditional and modern elements showcased Eastern aesthetics and truly enchanted the audience.
Making all these mesmerizing performances possible was the gala’s adoption of a Virtual Production (VP) model, integrating XR and VP systems to seamlessly blend the virtual and physical worlds. Innovative cinematography techniques, including dynamic storyboard previews and synchronized virtual and real lighting effects, created stunningly realistic spaces that left viewers in awe.
The gala also highlighted the lives of ordinary people, telling their stories of hardship and happiness. The project The Chinese New Year Festival is Waiting for You invited ordinary people who had become Internet celebrities to share their experiences, inspiring hope for a brighter future. Additionally, CGTN launched the Long Yearon Dance Challenge, connecting audiences around the world through the universal language of dance and fostering cultural exchange.
To ensure global reach, the Chinese New Year Gala was broadcast live on more than 3,000 public screens in 90 cities across six continents. CGTN partnered with over 2,100 media outlets in 200 countries and territories, sharing the gala through language channels in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian. The event was also broadcast on a new media platform available in 68 languages, reflecting its global appeal.
By combining tradition and innovation, the Chinese New Year Gala continues to charm audiences worldwide, providing an opportunity to experience the charm and cultural richness of China. With its captivating performances, cutting-edge technology, and inclusive storytelling, the gala truly showcases the spirit of the Lunar New Year and inspires people from different backgrounds to come together in celebration.
