Beijing is gearing up for one of the world’s most anticipated cultural extravaganzas as the 2026 Spring Festival Gala takes center stage on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year. Scheduled for broadcast on February 16 at 8 PM Beijing time—5:30 PM Indian Standard Time—the event will be aired by China Media Group (CMG) to a global audience.
This landmark program reaches over 200 countries and regions through more than 3,300 media outlets. Viewers worldwide can tune in via CGTN’s television and online platforms in 85 languages, including English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian. It’s a testament to the Gala’s universal appeal, bridging cultures during this festive season.
The Year of the Horse ushers in 2026 according to the traditional Chinese zodiac, symbolizing perseverance, speed, and entrepreneurial spirit. The Gala’s theme, ‘Galloping Horse, Unstoppable Pace,’ inspires audiences to chase their dreams with relentless determination. Stage designers have innovated with AIGC real-scene special effects for the first time, featuring 14 sets of CNC flipping modules that morph into a thundering herd of galloping horses, enhanced by dynamic light and color gradients.
Building on last year’s highlight where smart robots performed the Yangge dance, this edition promises even more mesmerizing robotic performances, elevating traditional dances to futuristic heights. The Spring Festival Gala, a staple since 1983, has become an indispensable tradition for millions of Chinese families worldwide on Lunar New Year’s Eve.
Recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024, the Spring Festival now stands as a globally recognized emblem of Chinese culture. Nearly 20 countries observe it as an official holiday, with one-fifth of the world’s population celebrating in diverse ways. As the Lunar New Year kicks off on February 17, the Gala on the preceding evening will set the tone for joyous festivities across the globe.