The 2026 Spring Festival Gala, produced by China Media Group, shattered expectations by enchanting audiences across the globe. This year’s production masterfully fused timeless Chinese heritage with modern tech innovations and global appeal, reaching 677 million viewers by late Monday night.
Online engagement was off the charts: 13.5 billion views across digital platforms. CMG’s app led the charge with 578 million plays, surpassing 2025 figures by over 53 million. Such numbers reflect the event’s seamless adaptation to streaming trends.
Notably, youth participation soared to 43.7%, a 10% rise from the previous year, signaling a fresh wave of interest among millennials and Gen Z.
On the international front, coverage expanded dramatically to 4,000 media partners – 37.95% more than 2025. CGTN’s platforms saw 87.29 million interactions, up 20%. Centered on ‘Galloping Horse, Unstoppable Momentum,’ the gala conveyed messages of perseverance and cultural exchange, wishing prosperity to all as the Lunar New Year dawned.
This triumph cements the gala’s status as a global cultural powerhouse, bridging divides and celebrating progress.