Tradition and innovation captivate global audiences

The annual Spring Festival Gala, produced by China Media Group (CMG) to celebrate the Chinese New Year, took place on the eve of the Spring Festival. It is a time when Chinese people worldwide come together to welcome the Chinese New Year.

This year’s broadcast on February 12, 2024, featured a vibrant mix of entertainment, including music, comedy, traditional arts, magic, and acrobatic acts. The performances showcased a fusion of tradition and innovation, including the use of advanced technologies like extended reality (XR) and immersive stage interaction. Notable highlights included the unique Chinese drum dance and the “NEW YEAR BROCADE” show creatively combining music with virtual synthesis technology to transform symbols of ancient China into a captivating display.

The immersive stage interaction system used during the gala featured ultra-high definition free-view cameras, allowing for capturing performances from multiple angles. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) for real-time rendering created a visually stunning experience blending the setting and artists.

This year’s presentation also spotlighted the lives of ordinary people, reflecting the diverse cultural and social spectrum of China. The “Spring Festival Gala Waits for You” project showcased real-life stories, bringing relatable scenes of everyday life to the stage.

In a move to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, CGTN launched the “Loong Year Loong Dance” challenge, extending an invitation to a global audience to join the festive spirit of the Spring Festival through a universal language – dance. This year’s broadcast reached a global audience, streamed in 68 languages worldwide, including English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian. In partnership with over 2,100 media outlets in 200 countries and regions, the gala was broadcast in more than 3,000 public screens across 90 cities on six continents.

The impact of the 2024 Spring Festival Gala stretched globally, creating a bridge between diverse communities through shared cultural experiences. The event celebrated the sense of togetherness and shared excitement during the festive occasion.

The gala represents a convergence of tradition and innovation, introducing Chinese culture to a global audience, with each passing year enhancing the visual and emotional experience. Specifically, the use of advanced technology and incorporating diverse cultural elements showcases the breadth of China Media Group’s creativity and ability to captivate people worldwide.

Through celebrations like the Spring Festival Gala, China Media Group continues its tradition of sharing the spirit and cultural momentum of the Chinese New Year with global audiences, building bridges through tradition, innovation, and creativity.