Homeward bound: CMG's 2026 Spring Festival Gala wraps up all rehearsals

China Media Group has completed the final dress rehearsal for its 2026 Spring Festival Gala, set to air at 8 p.m. on February 16. The five rehearsals polished a diverse lineup mixing music, dance, comedy sketches, magic, and cultural segments across one main and four regional venues. 

Musical performances will shape the evening. Li Jian will perform "Human Resonance," exploring life's shared moments. Ren Suxi and Mao Buyi will sing "Just As You Were," a song that centers on reunion. Faye Wong will present "The Moment We Experienced Together," about human connection. International artists John Legend and Hélène Rollès will join for a love medley.

Comedy highlights include Cai Ming revisiting her robot partner after 30 years in "Grandma's Favorite," a sketch about family bonds. Another short comedy explores smartphone habits with humor.

The show celebrates everyday heroes. World Skills Champions appear in a micro-musical titled "Every Ray of Light." A futuristic piece, "Smart Creation of the Future," features virtual reality and drone technology. Jordan Chan, Jerry Yan, and Jackson Yee perform.

Regional segments showcase China's diversity with ice festivities in Harbin, global fusion in Yiwu, opera in Hefei, and intangible heritage in Yibin.

The annual extravaganza will accompany viewers worldwide to usher in the Year of the Horse.