Just days before the Lunar New Year celebrations conclude, preparations for the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala are entering their final stages. A fifth full rehearsal took place on February 13th at the CCTV headquarters, with footage recorded for broadcast, signaling the show is nearly ready for its highly anticipated premiere. Stars Zhang Yiyi, Zhang Xiaowan, Sha Yi, and Zhou Shen were among those present, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
Whereas rumored appearances by figures from the sports world – including Ma Long, Quan Hongchan, Wang Chuqin, Sun Yingsha, Zheng Qinwen, and Wu Yanni – and a “White Dragon Horse” representation from Journey to the West didn’t materialize at this rehearsal, the air of mystery surrounding potential surprises has only heightened audience anticipation. Viewers who attended previous rehearsals and those following online have already begun highlighting several exciting elements of this year’s show.
This year marks the fourth consecutive year that Yu Lei has directed the Spring Festival Gala, a testament to the show’s commitment to balancing tradition and innovation. The Gala, a cultural touchstone for Chinese communities worldwide, consistently draws massive viewership. Hosts Ma Fanshu, Sa Beining, Long Yang, and Zhang Yiyi will jointly recite “A New Year’s Greeting for the Year of the Horse,” emphasizing the show’s cultural depth. The program will too feature performances of traditional songs like “A Hundred Family Surnames,” aiming to resonate with Chinese audiences globally, and a segment bringing together characters from Journey to the West with celebrities whose surnames include “Ma.”
Original performances will include the scenic travel-themed song “Nostalgia for Yichun,” which aims to capture the deep connection Chinese people perceive to their hometowns, and “Beautiful Countryside,” showcasing the progress of rural revitalization efforts. Phoenix Legend and Li Yuer will perform the non-material cultural heritage song “Nu Shu Soul” alongside players and fans from the Xiang Chao soccer team, celebrating and preserving a unique aspect of Chinese culture through music.
