Cutting-edge technology takes center stage in world's biggest televised event China’s CGM Spring Festival Gala 2026 / PHOTOS

China’s annual Spring Festival Gala, produced by China Media Group (CMG), once again cemented its status as one of the world’s most-watched television events. Aired on the eve of the Lunar New Year, the gala — widely known as “Chunwan” — has been organized and broadcast by state television since 1983, becoming one of China’s most significant cultural showcases.

The 2026 edition, themed “Joy and Auspiciousness, Festive and Cheerful,” was aired this week as tradition states on the first new moon of the lunar calendar, blending centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge technology, drawing unprecedented domestic and international attention. 

According to organizers, nearly 80 percent of the programs incorporated virtual production tools, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality and advanced digital visual effects, to reinterpret Chinese mythology, art and intangible cultural heritage for modern audiences.

Technology was not merely decorative but embedded into the storytelling itself — shaping choreography, stage design, visual language and narrative structure, as highlighted by Chinese media outlets.

"So far, no one has used AI in such a complex and deeply integrated way," said Guo Li, the gala’s visual director.

One standout performance, “Ode to the Flower Deities,” employed AI-generated imagery and extended reality technology to merge ancient seasonal symbols, historical figures and elements of traditional Chinese philosophy into a visually immersive production.

Humanoid robots also drew significant attention, underscoring China’s rapid advances in robotics and innovation. While last year’s robots performed relatively simple routines, this year they executed parkour-style martial arts, drunken-fist sequences and even nunchuck choreography — a dramatic leap in sophistication.

The show’s reach was equally striking. By 8:00 a.m. Beijing Time on February 17, total domestic all-media views had reached 23.06 billion, marking a 37.3 percent increase compared to 2025. The live broadcast captured nearly 80 percent of the national television audience — the highest share in 13 years — with average concurrent viewership at 325 million per minute and peak figures surpassing 400 million.

On new media platforms, total views climbed to 16.2 billion, up 49 percent year-on-year.

Internationally, the gala was broadcast in 85 languages. Coverage by CGTN generated 2.3 billion reads and 843 million video views worldwide. CMG partnered with nearly 4,000 media outlets, and public screenings were held on more than 4,000 large screens across 98 countries.

The event also featured global celebrities, including Lionel Richie and Jackie Chan performing together, as well as appearances by John Legend, Hélène Rollès and Irish band Westlife.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sent warm greetings to Chinese Leader Xi Jinping on the occasion of the Spring Festival, highlighting the holiday’s cultural and international significance.

By Nazrin Sadigova