Spring Festival Gala: Preview of chime bell performance
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Preparations for the Spring Festival Gala are in full swing. One standout act from the sub-venue in Wuhan promises to captivate audiences with the ancient sound of the "bianzhong" or chime bells. Huang Yichang reports. 

HUANG YICHANGWuhan "Let me give you a little preview of what's to come in this year's Spring Festival gala. It will feature an instrumental performance linking the four sub-venues. As Hubei province's cultural icon, something is bound to take centre stage.

BianZhong or chime bellsIt is an ancient musical instrument with over 3000 years of history and was unearthed in Hubei's Suizhou, one of the earliest instruments found throughout Chinese history. On set, a replica is being used for rehearsals.

I am now surrounded by over 30 sets of such chime bells. Each one contains 58 single bell like this. 

Production is underway, led by a mysterious musician whose identity remains a secret until the big night. Amidst hundreds of supporting performances, one gave me a behind-the-scenes look.

JIANG JUN, Bianzhong National Orchestra, Hubei Provincial Opera and Dance Drama Theater "There are main bells, 'Yong' bell, and 'Niu' bell. The person playing the large bells stands in the front, while those playing the 'Niu' Bell are positioned behind. 

Reporter: can you show us how to strike the bells?

"There are three tones in one bell, such as the fundamental tone, the side tone, or the third tone from this side."

Striking each bell may seem simple, but look, achieving harmonious sound is no way an easy task. The sub-venues of the Spring Festival Gala have always been a celebration of local culture and history.

Leading the charge is director Zhang Min. Last year, she also helmed the Xi'an sub-venue, wowing audiences with a stunning display of rich cultural history.

Reporter: This year, in an equally rich region when it comes to the nation's history, what unique surprises await us?

ZHANG MIN, Director, 2025 Spring Festival Gala Wuhan Sub-Venue "Both cities are rich in cultural heritage, but Wuhan's distinct characteristics can be found in the concept of 'the grand rivers and lakes of Wuhan.' This gives it a unique grandeur and sets it apart from the Xi’an sub-venue in terms of presentation style. We aim to deliver a powerful, emotional, and story-driven narrative."

I mean, look at it. The stage and the setting are absolutely gorgeous, incredible. I can't reveal too much before the debut, but just take a look at the stunning Yangtze River behind me. It's truly as if I'm standing between two worlds. Traditional beauty on the one hand, modern innovation on the other. Huang Yichang, CGTN, Wuhan Hubei Province.