iritual and emotional celebration of reunion, renewal and hope. This year, CGTN worked through its multilingual platforms in 85 languages and collaborated with more than 3,500 media organizations across over 200 countries and regions to air and report the event live, reflecting the festival’s growing global reach. A Global Celebration of Chinese Culture As the Chinese New Year evolves into an increasingly international celebration, the Spring Festival Gala has taken on a broader role sharing the joy of the season and the richness of Chinese culture with audiences worldwide. Rooted deeply in tradition, the festival symbolizes family unity and new beginnings, while also carrying a universal message of optimism and aspiration for a better future. A Grand Cultural Showcase The 2026 edition delivered a large-scale audiovisual spectacle featuring a diverse range of performances, including music, comedy, opera, martial arts, magic and acrobatics. One of the evening’s highlights was a cross-cultural acrobatic performance that combined traditional Chinese techniques with modern international staging, symbolizing cultural dialogue and mutual appreciation. Another widely discussed segment blended ballet with street dance, merging classical elegance with contemporary rhythm an artistic reflection of a society that respects tradition while embracing innovation. Comedic sketches based on everyday life also resonated with audiences, offering warmth and humor while reflecting ongoing social changes. For many Chinese viewers, the gala remains more than entertainment. It serves as an emotional bond during the New Year, connecting families and telling the stories of ordinary people. For overseas Chinese communities, the global broadcast allowed them to celebrate simultaneously with loved ones back home, strengthening a shared cultural identity despite geographical distance. Technology Takes Center Stage While culture remained at the heart of the program, advanced technology played a major role in enhancing the experience. Artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR) transformed the stage into an immersive environment. Technologies such as VR systems, drone displays and Beidou navigation supported dynamic digital backdrops that brought performances to life. One of the most talked-about moments featured humanoid robots performing Kung Fu moves, including flips and complex routines, drawing admiration from international audiences and highlighting China’s rapid progress in robotics. China’s humanoid robot sector is expanding rapidly, with more than 150 companies currently operating in the field. The industry is growing at an annual rate of over 50 percent, and its market value is projected to reach 100 billion yuan (approximately $14.2 billion) by 2030. A Reflection of China’s Transformation Now in its 43rd year, the Spring Festival Gala has evolved alongside China’s development from a simple television program to a technologically advanced global broadcast. The 2026 edition, themed for the Year of the Horse, stood out as one of the most technologically sophisticated productions to date. Experts note that the integration of AI and robotics was not merely decorative but became part of the storytelling and artistic expression. As families gathered around their screens and international viewers tuned in from afar, the gala once again served as a cultural bridge showcasing a nation that honors its heritage, embraces innovation and shares its festive spirit with the world.