#China #Beijing #Cultural Heritage #Spring Festival #CGTN

Spring Festival Gala 2025: A Celebration of Humanity and Culture

On January 29, 2025, just before the Chinese New Year, the highly anticipated Spring Festival Gala commenced. Produced and broadcast by China Media Group, the gala has grown to symbolize the essence of familial gatherings during the Spring Festival, China's most significant holiday. This year marked a particularly special edition as it was the first event after the Chinese Spring Festival was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The engaging program, known as 'Chunwan,' is a beloved tradition that began in 1983. Over the years, it has transformed into an extraordinary platform that not only reinforces familial bonds through viewership but also highlights the warmth of human connection and cultural legacy. Audiences of various backgrounds and locations gathered to experience a medley of diverse performances—from captivating musical numbers and humorous skits to traditional arts like opera and martial arts, all presented with astonishing grandeur.

Accessibility and Inclusivity at the Gala

This year's gala placed a stronger focus on celebrating the lives and contributions of ordinary people across China. Actively inviting participants from all walks of life—from police officers and railway staff to famous internet personalities and inheritors of intangible cultural heritage—showcased the moments that resonate with the spirit of a 'people-centric Spring Festival Gala.' This initiative reflects a deep appreciation for the everyday heroes within the community.

For the first time, the gala also included a barrier-free broadcast to accommodate visually and hearing-impaired viewers. State-of-the-art augmented reality technology and voice recognition powered an immersive experience that ensured everyone could partake in the festivities. Sign language interpreters and audio descriptions added more depth to the experience, cementing the gala’s role as an inclusive celebration for all.

Connecting Cultures through Celebration

This year’s event also spotlighted the beauty of China's intangible cultural heritage prominently. The visually striking opening act, themed 'Welcoming Fortune,' seamlessly fused cutting-edge technology with traditional customs and cultural elements from the New Year celebrations across the country. Audiences were treated to a vibrant display of cultural annotations through high-tech augmented reality, interactive screens, and 3D spatial presentations, revealing the richness and diversity of China’s heritage.

Performances showcasing paper cutting, copper engraving, and the spectacular 'Iron Flowers' craft highlighted the extravagance of traditional Chinese crafts and artistic expression. Notably, the dance performance 'Pillars and Beams' drew inspiration from a central axis in Beijing and stood as a testament to traditional architecture's significance, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024.

The Spring Festival Gala is not just a domestic event; it transcends boundaries as a global celebration that welcomes participation from all around the world. Featuring talented international musicians, the gala honored contributions from abroad, including performances by the American rock band OneRepublic and joint pieces by Chinese and Peruvian artists, reinforcing the spirit of unity and global cultural exchange.

Broadcasted live in multiple languages—English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian—through CGTN and its multilingual platforms, the 2025 gala extended its reach to audiences in over 200 countries. Complemented by coverage from over 2900 media outlets worldwide, the gala continues its legacy as a cultural bridge connecting people across the globe.

Furthermore, CGTN initiated the 'Snake Dance Challenge' for the Year of the Snake, which encouraged active engagement from participants in over 70 countries and regions. In conjunction with the gala, CGTN also hosted a special program, 'Super Night,' celebrating the Spring Festival with spectacular shows in various languages, promoting cultural exchanges and a sense of global community.

For more information about this dazzling event, visit CGTN News.