30 days to go! CMG holds first rehearsal for 2026 Spring Festival Gala

China Media Group (CMG) successfully completed the first rehearsal of its 2026 Spring Festival Gala on Saturday, marking a key milestone with 30 days to go before the Chinese New Year celebration. During the rehearsal, programs spanning a wide range of genres were seamlessly integrated with innovative technologies, stage art and visual design.

Staying true to its core tone of "joy, festivity, and auspiciousness," the Year of the Horse Spring Festival Gala is themed "Galloping Steed, Onward Unstoppable." Rooted in cultural heritage and empowered by cutting-edge technology, the show presents a vibrant and forward-looking spirit of the new era.

Drawing inspiration from China's rich traditional culture, the gala weaves in horse-themed elements that symbolize perseverance, self-reliance and an enterprising spirit. Upholding the creative philosophy of integrating "ideas, art and technology," the production continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression. Advanced technologies such as AI, AR, and XR are used extensively in stage design, creating immersive, three-dimensional visuals where performers and scenery interact dynamically.

Artistic installations based on horse motifs shape a stage landscape reminiscent of thousands of horses galloping in unison, with layered depth and rhythmic movement. Original songs feature upbeat rhythms that capture the bold, high-spirited energy associated with the horse, while traditional Chinese opera programs draw on the classic tangma (horse-step) conventions. Through innovative, narrative-driven choreography, these performances bring the elegance, strength and vitality of horse imagery to life.

The Year of the Horse Spring Festival Gala also represents a further upgrade in the fusion of technology and art. Intelligent manufacturing and digital innovation are deeply embedded in both stage presentation and content creation, expanding audiences' imagination of what the festive New Year atmosphere can be. Following the breakout popularity of dancing robots at last year's Year of the Snake Spring Festival Gala, robots will once again take to this year's stage, showcasing creative applications of technology and highlighting China's latest advances in science and innovation.

With 30 days remaining until the gala airs on the Chinese New Year's Eve, the directing team will continue refining each performance and perfecting every detail. The goal is to present a joyful, heartfelt and visually stunning Spring Festival Gala for audiences around the world and accompany families everywhere as they celebrate a warm, lively and festive Chinese New Year together.