Beijing, China - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of China Media Group (CMG) 2026 Spring Festival Gala rehearsal in progress
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Tan Songyun, performer:
"We're part of the sub-venue in Sichuan Province, and this year it's in Yibin -- a city famous for its baijiu. So, our performance is themed around that. It's wonderful to be surrounded by fellow Sichuanese -- there's a shared sense of joy and national prosperity."
3. Rehearsal in progress
4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Song Weilong, performer:
"My performance this year is a choir piece. It really captures that warm, happy atmosphere of family togetherness during the Chinese New Year."
5. Various of rehearsal in progress
6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Bai Lu, performer (partially overlaid with shot 7):
"The highlight of our act is the cast -- eight of us, four men and four women. It's youthful and energetic. Compared with last year, I'm not as nervous this year. That's probably the biggest change in me. Still, being back for the gala is just as thrilling. It's truly an honor to spend the New Year with everyone."
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7. Various of rehearsal in progress
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8. Various of rehearsal in progress
9. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Ning Chang, performer (partially overlaid with shot 10):
"This is my first time performing at the Gala, so I feel incredibly honored -- and yes, quite nervous of course. Knowing that millions of viewers will watch from home, I really want to deliver something memorable and offer a fresh take on the celebrations. I'm especially grateful to share the stage with some of the artists I've long admired. It feels like a beautiful journey."
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10. Rehearsal in progress
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11. Audience
12. Performers smiling to camera
13. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Zhang Xincheng, performer:
"Just look at this outfit -- it's all about festivity. Festivity is a must. But beyond that, I believe the real blessing lies in the happiness that surrounds us. As we enter the Year of the Horse, I hope everyone can reach out and seize that blessing -- may your days be bright and your luck abundant."
14. Performers of Spring Festival Gala entering hall
15. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Bi Wenjun, performer (partially overlaid with shot 16):
"I used to watch it on TV when I was a little kid. When I came in for rehearsals and finally saw the full stage up close, it was such an emotional moment -- equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking."
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16. Rehearsal in progress
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17. Rehearsal in progress
18. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Li Yunrui, performer (partially overlaid with shot 19):
"I'm truly excited -- this truly is a stage that so many dream of. I feel incredibly fortunate to be here. To all the viewers out there: Happy Year of the Horse, a joyous Chinese New Year, and may everything go well with you."
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19. Various of rehearsal in progress
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20. Various of rehearsal in progress; audience

As China Media Group's 2026 Spring Festival Gala counts down to its global broadcast, cast members have been sharing their behind-the-scenes experiences and heartfelt wishes -- fueling even greater anticipation for the highly awaited show.

The gala, set to air on Chinese New Year's Eve on February 16, completed its fourth rehearsal on Sunday. Through the performers' exclusive previews of both backstage moments and on-stage highlights, the festive spirit has already begun radiating from the rehearsal venue to audiences everywhere.

"We're part of the sub-venue in Sichuan Province, and this year it's in Yibin -- a city famous for its baijiu. So, our performance is themed around that. It's wonderful to be surrounded by fellow Sichuanese -- there's a shared sense of joy and national prosperity," said Tan Songyun, an actress from Sichuan Province, who will perform in this year's Spring Festival Gala.

"My performance this year is a choir piece. It really captures that warm, happy atmosphere of family togetherness during the Chinese New Year," said another performer, Song Weilong.

This year marks actress Bai Lu's second appearance on the Spring Festival Gala stage. She hinted that audiences can expect even more surprises this time around.

"The highlight of our act is the cast -- eight of us, four men and four women. It's youthful and energetic. Compared with last year, I'm not as nervous this year. That's probably the biggest change in me. Still, being back for the gala is just as thrilling. It's truly an honor to spend the New Year with everyone," she said.

For those stepping onto the stage of what's recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's most-watched TV program for the first time, the thrill is often mixed with a touch of nerves.

"This is my first time performing at the Gala, so I feel incredibly honored -- and yes, quite nervous of course. Knowing that millions of viewers will watch from home, I really want to deliver something memorable and offer a fresh take on the celebrations. I'm especially grateful to share the stage with some of the artists I've long admired. It feels like a beautiful journey," said Ning Chang, an actress from Taiwan.

To spread the festive cheer, several performers have chosen to wear outfits rich in symbolic meaning -- hoping to convey joy and good fortune through every detail.

"Just look at this outfit -- it's all about festivity. Festivity is a must. But beyond that, I believe the real blessing lies in the happiness that surrounds us. As we enter the Year of the Horse, I hope everyone can reach out and seize that blessing -- may your days be bright and your luck abundant," said Zhang Xincheng, a singer and actor.

For many, the Spring Festival Gala is more than just an annual televised event. It is a vessel of childhood memories, and performing on this stage is nothing short of a dream fulfilled.

"I used to watch it on TV when I was a little kid. When I came in for rehearsals and finally saw the full stage up close, it was such an emotional moment -- equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking," said Bi Wenjun, one of the performers of the Gala.

"I'm truly excited -- this truly is a stage that so many dream of. I feel incredibly fortunate to be here. To all the viewers out there: Happy Year of the Horse, a joyous New Year, and may everything go well with you," said another performer, Li Yunrui.

The Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been a major cultural symbol of the Chinese New Year celebrations in China since its debut in 1983. Every Chinese New Year's Eve, families and friends across the country gather to enjoy a variety show featuring songs, dances, comic sketches, operas, folk arts, and other performances.