China’s Spring Festival Gala Reaches Record Viewership
China’s annual Spring Festival Gala, a nationally televised event akin to the Super Bowl or the Oscars in the United States, achieved its highest viewership in 13 years, according to reports. The gala, broadcast on February 16, 2026, captivated audiences across the country and beyond.
The broadcast reached a total of 6.77 billion viewers across all media platforms, as reported by Sina News. This figure includes those watching on television, online streaming services and other digital platforms.
The gala, officially titled the “2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala,” was broadcast on ten television channels, nine radio frequencies, and six new media platforms, including CCTV News, CCTV Video, and the Cloud Listening app. According to a statement from China’s Central Radio and Television Station, the event was also streamed and reported on by over 3,500 media outlets in more than 200 countries and regions, with broadcasts in 85 languages via CGTN.
The program featured performances by popular artists including Mi Xue, Xu Di, Wang Jingsong, Zhou Huimin, Liu Mintao, Liang Yongqi, Qin Hailu, Cai Ming, and Wang Tianfang. Highlights included an opening performance of “Immediately There Will Be Miracles,” a song performance of “Lichun,” and a sketch titled “Grandma’s Favorite.” A martial arts performance featuring technology from YuShu Technology and Henan Tagou also captivated audiences. Details of the performances are available on the official Spring Festival Gala website.
The gala’s reach extended internationally through collaborations with seven major news alliances – the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, the African Broadcasting Union, the Latin American News Agency, the Arab States Broadcasting Union, the European News Exchange Alliance, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Broadcasting Union, and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union – ensuring the program reached a global audience. The station reported that the program’s content was disseminated through over 400 media organizations in 181 countries and regions.
The 2026 Spring Festival Gala, themed “Joyful and Auspicious, Happy and Cheerful,” aimed to embody the spirit of the Lunar New Year and provide entertainment for audiences both domestically and abroad. CCTV stated that the gala was created with a focus on being “people’s Spring Festival Gala,” drawing inspiration from new and popular forms of art.
The event also showcased advancements in stage design and technology, with a focus on integrating aesthetics and innovation. Phoenix News highlighted the seamless blend of technology and artistry in the gala’s visual presentation.
With 23.06 billion interactions across various platforms, the 2026 Spring Festival Gala has set new records for domestic and international engagement, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of Chinese cultural celebration. Sina News reported.
