CMG Spring Festival Gala

{{short description|Variety show on Chinese TV}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}} {{Use American English|date=November 2021}} {{Infobox television | image =  | caption = | genre = | creator = | developer = | writer = | director = Various | creative_director = | presenter = Various | starring = | opentheme = | endtheme = "Can't Forget Tonight" (难忘今宵) | composer = | country = China | language = [[Chinese language]] | executive_producer = | producer = | editor = | location = | cinematography = | runtime = approximately 270 minutes | company = | channel = [[China Media Group]] ([[China Central Television|CCTV]], [[China National Radio|CNR]], [[China Global Television Network|CGTN]], [[China Radio International|CRI]]) | first_aired = {{Start date|1983|02|12}} | last_aired = present }} {{Infobox Chinese | title = ''CMG Spring Festival Gala'' | s = 中央广播电视总台春节联欢晚会 | t = 中央廣播電視總台春節聯歡晚會 | p = Zhōngyāng Guǎngbō Diànshì Zǒngtaí chūnjié liánhuān wǎnhuì | mi = | altname1 = former Chinese name | t2 = 中國中央電視台春節聯歡晚會 | s2 = 中国中央电视台春节联欢晚会 | p2 = Zhōngguó zhōngyāng diànshìtái chūnjié liánhuān wǎnhuì | altname2 = Commonly abbreviated as | s3 = 央视春晚 | t3 = 央視春晚 | p3 = ''Yāngshì Chūnwăn'' | mi3 = {{IPA|cmn|jáŋ ʂɻ̩̂ ʈʂʰwə́n wàn|}} | altname4 = Further abbreviated as | c4 = 春晚 | p4 = ''Chūnwăn'' | mi4 = {{IPA|cmn|ʈʂʰwə́n wàn|}} | order = st }}

The '''''CMG Spring Festival Gala'''''<ref>{{Cite web |title=AI technology enhances visual effects at CMG Spring Festival Gala |url=https://chinaplus.cri.cn/podcast/news/5/AI-technology-enhances-visual-effects-at-CMG-Spring-Festival-Gala/2718970 |access-date=2026-02-16 |website=chinaplus.cri.cn|date=2026-02-16}}</ref> (formerly known as the '''''CCTV New Year's Gala'''''; commonly abbreviated in Chinese as '''''Chunwan''''' or 春晚) is a [[Chinese New Year]] special gala produced by [[China Media Group]] (CMG). The ''Gala'' is a live variety show featuring music, dance, and comedy performances alongside official messaging, held annually on [[Chinese New Year's Eve]] since it was first aired in February 1983. It was recognized by [[Guinness World Records]] as the most watched national network TV broadcast in 2012<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most watched national network TV broadcast (reach) |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/102651-most-watched-national-network-tv-broadcast-reach |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216220813/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/102651-most-watched-national-network-tv-broadcast-reach |archive-date=February 16, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-27 |website=Guinness World Records |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> and is widely recognized as the world's most watched television program.<ref name=":0">{{cite magazine|title=The world's most-watched television show airs tonight|url=https://time.com/5159412/cctv-spring-festival-gala/|magazine=Time|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/celine-dion-perform-cctvs-new-419121|title=Celine Dion to Perform on China Central Television's New Year's Gala Show|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=6 February 2013|quote=...and is widely considered the most watched television program in the world today.}}</ref>

==History== In the early 1980s, CCTV director [[Huang Yihe]] proposed the idea of hosting a televised party to celebrate the [[Chinese New Year]], and the first ''CCTV New Year's Gala'' aired in 1983.<ref name=":0" /> Operating on a very low budget, Huang was given a studio of {{Convert|600|m2||sp=us}}, which could accommodate only 60 staff members and 200 guests.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sohu.com/a/306756224_162758|script-title=zh:央视春晚“开创者”黄一鹤去世曾力保张明敏不惜摔电话|date=2019-04-09|website=Sohu|language=zh|access-date=2019-04-15}}</ref> With no money for recording and editing, the show was improvised and broadcast live. It was hosted by [[Liu Xiaoqing]], [[Ma Ji]], [[Jiang Kun (comedian)|Jiang Kun]], and [[Wang Jingyu]], and the studio had four telephones accepting live requests from callers nationwide.<ref name=":1" /> The popular singer [[Li Guyi]] ended the night with nine performances, and the cohost Jiang Kun performed three ''[[xiangsheng]]'' comedies.<ref name=":1" /> Huang and his colleagues took considerable political risk broadcasting the live show, as pop singers such as Li Guyi were at the time under attack by hardliners as "[[spiritual pollution]]", and one of her most popular songs, ''Hometown Love'' (乡恋), was still officially banned.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_3271945|title=央视春晚开创者、首届春晚总导演黄一鹤去世，享年85岁|date=2019-04-08|website=Thepaper.cn|access-date=2019-04-15}}</ref> With the permission from [[Wu Lengxi]], the Minister of Radio and Television who was in the audience, Li Guyi performed the song for the first time on national TV.<ref name=":2" />

After the first New Year Gala proved a huge hit with viewers nationwide, Wu was tasked with directing the second edition. At the time, China and Britain were under intense negotiation over the [[Sino-British Joint Declaration]] on the status of Hong Kong. Huang came up with the idea of inviting the amateur Hong Kong singer [[Cheung Ming-man]] to perform at his show.<ref name=":2" /> It was then unprecedented for a Hong Kong entertainer to perform on Chinese TV and his request met significant resistance. Huang persistently lobbied government officials and eventually gained their approval. Cheung's performance of the patriotic song "[[My Chinese Heart]]" at the 1984 gala made him a household name in China.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" />

The program has attracted extremely large audiences, which have grown significantly over the years. The ''CCTV New Year's Gala'' is the most watched television program in the world, with the broadcaster claiming one billion viewers in 2018.<ref name=scmp>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2184308/why-chunwan-chinas-lunar-new-year-gala-worlds-most|title=Why 'Chunwan', China's Lunar New Year gala, is the world's most-watched TV show|last=Lo|first=Rebecca|date=2019-02-01|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=2019-04-15}}</ref> As the Chinese New Year's Eve is a time when the family gathers, the typical situation involves a large 3-generation family gathered in front of their TV set while making dumplings for the first New Year's meal. The ''Gala'' adds a mood of celebration in the house as people laugh, discuss and enjoy the performance. It has become an ingrained tradition on mainland China to watch the ''New Year's Gala'' on New Year's Eve. Rural areas that had previously been unfamiliar with concepts such as television would hold great gatherings on New Year's Eve to watch the program.<ref name=scmp />

In 2011, [[Dashan]] made another appearance in the gala, alongside several foreign nationals of various ages, all engaging in fluent Mandarin conversation, including one of Russian nationality, an Australian and a Kenyan. The 2011 show was also noted for the appearances of various "ordinary people" performers who were selected by popular vote in a TV competition months prior.

The 'ordinary people' portrayals continued in 2012; several amateurs performed on the show. Coinciding with the rise of amateur performers is the decline of nationalist and political rhetoric. In both 2011 and 2012 versions of the ''Gala'', imagery of national leaders were removed from the show. The 2012 gala was directed by [[Ha Wen]], wife of host [[Li Yong (television host)|Li Yong]]. In a break with tradition, the 2012 ''Gala'' removed the announcements of embassies overseas sending New Year's greetings, as well as the "My Favorite New Year's Gala Act" voting announcement. It also did not conclude with a rendition of "Can't Forget Tonight", thus breaking the practice for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zaobao.com/wencui/2012/01/hongkong120122f.shtml|title=联合早报网}}</ref>

Beginning in the 1990s, the ''Gala'' has been broadcast to the [[Chinese diaspora]] and millions of television viewers around the world on [[CCTV-4]] with dedicated simulcasts for foreign viewers on the [[China Global Television Network|CGTN]] network since 2016.

The ''Gala'' marked its pearl jubilee in 2013 and its ruby jubilee in 2023. Its 2008 silver jubilee edition also added up to the hype and excitement regarding the [[2008 Beijing Summer Olympics]], CCTV being official national broadcaster of the Games.

==Politics== In the early days of the ''Gala'' in the 1980s, the show focused almost entirely on arts and entertainment. Programming that was chiefly political in nature was very rare, reflecting the general openness of Chinese society in the 1980s and the departure of [[Maoist]] political dogma from the lives of ordinary people. Communist Party leaders took an interest in the show as early as 1984, when then-General Secretary [[Hu Yaobang]] watched the show and resolved to learn how to sing "My Chinese Heart" by singer [[Cheung Ming-man]]. Then, in 1990, Communist Party General Secretary [[Jiang Zemin]] and Premier [[Li Peng]] appeared on the show, ostensibly to participate in the celebration rather than disseminate a political agenda; Jiang gave a speech expressing his well-wishes.<ref name=takung>{{cite news|title=Understanding the Politics of Chunwan|url=http://news.takungpao.com/special/zjcw/|work=Ta Kung Po|date=January 31, 2014|archive-date=January 15, 2023|access-date=February 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115164530/http://news.takungpao.com/special/zjcw/|url-status=dead}}</ref> This six-minute live segment was the only instance national leaders participated in the program in its history.<ref name=politic>{{cite news|title=盘点中央领导与央视春晚故事：江泽民曾亲临现场|url=http://news.qq.com/a/20140130/007293.htm|work=Tencent News|date=January 30, 2014}}</ref>

Programming with heavy political undertones began appearing in the gala in the 1990s. As audiences grew, the show became a ritualized event of national significance and experienced increased state involvement in its production. Often, segments of the show became devoted to celebrating the previous year's "national achievements" and a preview of significant events of the upcoming year. In 2008, state media reported that major officials from the [[Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party]] and the [[State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television]] were on scene during the gala's rehearsal to supervise its production.<ref>{{cite news|title=中宣部、广电总局领导审看春晚要求格调健康|url=http://www.chinanews.com/yl/zyxw/news/2008/01-31/1152739.shtml|work=Chinanews|date=January 31, 2008}}</ref> In that same year, a segment featuring migrant workers was inserted into the show on the recommendation of Premier [[Wen Jiabao]].<ref name=politic/>

Throughout the years, officials in charge of propaganda and media control, including [[Ding Guangen]], [[Li Changchun]], and [[Liu Yunshan]], have paid visits to the ''Chunwan'' production team. Commenting on the political evolution of the ''Gala'' over the years, ''[[Takungpao.com|Takungpao]]'' said that ''Chunwan'' has evolved from a "year-end tea party" to a "conference for disseminating political propaganda.<ref name=takung/>

===Imagery of party leadership=== Beginning in the 1990s, the show has consistently included one segment featuring a video montage of Communist Party leaders accompanied by background music. Shown every year were images of those considered [[paramount leader]]s, including [[Mao Zedong]], [[Deng Xiaoping]], [[Jiang Zemin]], and [[Hu Jintao]]. In 2007 and 2008, the video footage featured the entire line-up of [[Politburo Standing Committee]] members. Between 2011 and 2014, imagery of national leaders were absent from the show, and the amount of political content varied from year to year. For example, the 2011 show featured a rendition of a patriotic song that emphasized Hu Jintao's [[Harmonious Society]] and [[Scientific Development Concept]] ideologies. In 2012 there was minimal political content, though parts of the show alluded to "building a strong nation" and the [[18th Party Congress (China)|18th Party Congress]] which was to be held in the fall of that year. The 2014 show, however, was again peppered with political enhancements throughout that paid homage to [[General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party|General Secretary]] [[Xi Jinping]]'s "[[Chinese Dream]]" ideology, in addition to several nationalistic-themed songs. The 2015 show, reportedly one of the most closely managed affairs in years,<ref name=wasj>{{cite news|title=Xi Jinping the Star in China's Lunar New Year TV Gala|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2015/02/19/xi-jinping-the-star-in-chinas-lunar-new-year-tv-gala/|work=Wall Street Journal (blog)|date=February 19, 2015}}</ref> prominently featured Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign, with three comedy routines being linked to the theme. In addition, in a remarkable departure from convention, the 2015 show also featured Xi Jinping exclusively in a lengthy video montage during an opera-style song entitled "Give my Heart to You".<ref name=voa>{{cite news|title="把心交给你" 春晚独捧习近平|url=http://www.voachinese.com/content/new-year-gala-20150219/2650977.html|work=Voice of America|date=February 19, 2015}}</ref> The heavy emphasis on political content continued in 2016; that edition, believed to be one of the most political affairs since the show's inception, saw a return of the more familiar line-up of national leaders. Since 2017, however, the gala has not shown imagery of national leaders, opting instead of showcase various aspects of economic development or nationalist themes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/08/asia/china-year-of-monkey-gala-2016-criticism/|title=Lunar New Year TV gala: The worst ever? - CNN.com|author=Shen Lu and Hilary Whiteman|date=8 February 2016|work=CNN}}</ref>

===Military===

The [[People's Liberation Army]] is featured in the show's programming every year, usually in the form of a song, although sometimes military-themed sketch comedies have also appeared. Many of the Gala's most prominent singers have a background in the performing arts troupe of the PLA, including [[Yan Weiwen]], [[Song Zuying]], [[Dong Wenhua]] and [[Peng Liyuan]].<ref name=takung/>

==Controversies==

===Workers Arena lighting effects (1985) === In 1985, the gala was held at the [[Workers Indoor Arena]], featuring a live audience scattered throughout the venue. Production staff were not equipped with [[walkie-talkie]]s, so they improvised their communication with the artists by running around or gesturing from a distance to give cues. This led to the show appearing uncoordinated and exceptionally slow on television; the broadcast lasted over six hours, making it the longest gala on record. The live audience also moved about the arena throughout the event, creating distractions and noise for viewers at home. It also faced strong criticism for its poor lighting effects, which made the stage difficult to see.<ref>{{cite news|title=新世纪春晚亮点：打开大门推出新星符号化语言|url=http://news.ifeng.com/history/zhongguoxiandaishi/special/chunwan/detail_2011_02/01/4546981_0.shtml|publisher=ifeng.com|date=February 1, 2011}}</ref>

=== Chen Peisi sues CCTV distributor (1998) === [[Chen Peisi]] and his artistic collaborator [[Zhu Shimao]] were household names in the 1990s, partly owing to their appearances on the gala. After their hit sketch piece in the 1998 show, a subsidiary of CCTV distributed their performances on [[VCD]] without gaining the pair's permission in advance. In 2000, Chen and Zhu sued the subsidiary and won; the court ordered restitution and rescinded their rights to Chen and Zhu's work. Thereafter, Chen and Zhu never appeared on the gala again.<ref>{{cite web|title=陈佩斯靠种石榴东山再起曾赢版权官司却遭封杀|url=http://eladies.sina.com.cn/news/2010/0331/1127981902.shtml|publisher=[[Huashang Morning Post]]|access-date=2013-01-03|date=2010-03-31}}</ref>

===Dark three minutes (2007)=== In the 2007 edition, just before the clock struck midnight, the six hosts of the show assembled on stage suffered a mass breakdown referred to as the "dark three minutes". [[Zhu Jun (host)|Zhu Jun]], [[Zhou Tao]], [[Li Yong (television host)|Li Yong]], [[Dong Qing]], Zhang Zequn and Liu Fangfei collectively started a chain of misread and mistimed lines. Zhang Zequn was the first to read his lines incorrectly, obviously reciting the wrong ''[[Couplet (Chinese poetry)|chunlian]]'', although the audience still applauded. Li Yong then mentioned the transition from the year ''bingxu'' (year of the dog) to ''dinghai'' (year of the pig) and a greeting to "mother comrades across the country" before being cut off by Zhu Jun's loud declaration that the new year had almost arrived. Liu Fangfei, who was relatively new to the gala, then read a line that was obviously incomplete, followed by seconds of [[dead air]]. Zhou Tao tried following it up, only to be interrupted by Li Yong. Zhou then gave Li Yong an annoyed stare, obviously visible as the camera was focused on her. Zhu Jun then interrupted Li Yong again, only to be in turn interrupted by Zhou Tao before the ten-second countdown began.<ref>[http://enjoy.eastday.com/e/20070224/u1a2642674.html Chunwan screw-ups: Viewpoints and analysis: 春晚名嘴集体掌了自己嘴孔庆东博客炮轰春晚] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070226055155/http://enjoy.eastday.com/e/20070224/u1a2642674.html |date=February 26, 2007 }}. Enjoy Eastday.com. February 24, 2007</ref> Host Zhang Zequn apologized for the incident on his CCTV blog.

===Role of women in society (2015)=== Some observers have criticized the ''Gala'' for resisting larger trends in Chinese society, such as the increased role of women in society and changing gender norms. The 2015 skit "Goddesses and Tomboys" (女神和女汉子), led by [[Jia Ling]], faced particular derision online for its portrayal of strong female roles in society and its insensitive depiction of the "''[[sheng nu]]''" phenomenon.<ref>[http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2015/5/the-coming-of-age-of-chinese-feminism.html The coming of age of Chinese feminism]. ''Al Jazeera America''. May 17, 2015</ref>

=== Ugly monkey (2016)===

In 2016, the ''Gala'' was criticized for planning to include a "virtual mascot", modeled in 3D based on a painting of a monkey by [[Han Meilin]] that was described as "a monster" and "ugly" by many.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/asia-pacific/year-of-the-monkey-keeps-chinese-upbeat-despite-troubles-1.2525918|title=Year of the Monkey keeps Chinese upbeat despite troubles|date=8 February 2016|access-date=2019-02-09|newspaper=The Irish Times|last=Coonan|first=Clifford}}</ref> The digital mascot was also mocked on various Chinese social networks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chihe.sohu.com/20160207/n437091062.shtml|title=猴年春晚吉祥物"康康"：比我丑的不是没有！|date=2016-02-07|access-date=2019-02-09}}</ref>

===Blackface (2018)=== {{See also|Racism in China}} The 2018 edition was criticized for a comedy skit focusing on [[Africa–China relations]], and in particular, China's investments in African railways. The skit featured Chinese actress Lou Naiming wearing [[blackface]] and a prosthetic buttocks to portray the mother of an African woman. The woman had asked the host to pose as her husband so she wouldn't be subjected to an [[arranged dating|arranged date]]. However, after the host exposed the ruse by introducing her wife, the woman's mother excuses it, declaring her love for China and its people. The skit was ridiculed by viewers and social media, especially among local groups and [[African diaspora|diaspora]], for its invocation of [[Stereotypes of Africans|African stereotypes]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/02/16/chinas-televised-new-years-gala-featured-a-blackface-skit-about-africans/|title=China's televised New Year's Gala featured a blackface skit about Africans|last=Taylor|first=Adam|date=2018-02-16|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=2019-02-09|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}</ref>

===Absence of pig imagery=== The 2007 and 2019 editions, despite celebrating the year of the pig in the Chinese zodiac, eschewed nearly all imagery and language invoking pigs. Some suspected this was due to official sensitivities shown towards Muslim minority groups in China (and in the latter case possibly due to an outbreak of [[African swine fever]]).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Kerry |title=中国央视2019猪年春晚传递出的五大信息 |url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-47143578 |website=BBC中文网 |access-date=2019-02-08 |date=2019-02-06}}</ref>

===Blackface (2021)=== The 2021 show again featured performers in blackface wearing approximations of African clothing. Like in 2018 it received criticism both within China and internationally. The Chinese foreign ministry responded to criticism by saying that it was not an issue and that anyone saying otherwise must have ulterior motives.<ref>{{cite news |title=China New Year gala show sparks new racism controversy with blackface performance |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lunar-newyear-china-gala/china-new-year-gala-show-sparks-new-racism-controversy-with-blackface-performance-idUSKBN2AC0BK |website=www.reuters.com |date=February 12, 2021 |agency=Reuters |access-date=12 February 2021}}</ref>

==Directors and performers==

===Directors and hosts=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! Date !! Director !! Presenters !!TV ratings* (%)<ref>Data reference:CSM media research [http://1118.cctv.com/2015/02/04/ARTI1423036217899819.shtml 2001-2014 央视春晚收视数据全披露]</ref> !!Multi-screen ratings (%)*!! Viewers (Million) |- | 1983 |February 12 | [[Huang Yihe]] || Deng Zaijun, [[Ma Ji]], [[Jiang Kun (comedian)|Jiang Kun]], Wang Jingyu, [[Liu Xiaoqing]] |N/A |N/A |N/A |- | 1984 |February 1 | Huang Yihe || Zhang Shufen, [[Zhao Zhongxiang]], [[Lu Jing]], Huang A'yuan, Jiang Kun, [[Jiang Lili]], Chen Sisi||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1985 |February 19 | Huang Yihe || Ma Ji, Jiang Kun, Zhang Yu, Zhu Yuanyi, [[Ban Ban]]||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1986 |February 8 | Huang Yihe || [[Zhao Zhongxiang]], [[Wang Gang (actor)|Wang Gang]], Jiang Kun, Liu Xiaoqing, [[Fang Shu]], Gu Yongfei ||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1987 |January 28 | Deng Zaijun || Li Moran, Wang Gang, Li Xiaofen, Jiang Kun ||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1988 |February 16 |Deng Zaijun|| [[Sun Daolin]], Wang Gang, Jiang Kun, [[Hou Yaowen]], [[Xue Fei (host)|Xue Fei]], Wei Hua||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1989 |February 5 | Zhang Xiaohai || Zhang Xiaohai, Li Moran, Zhao Zhongxiang, Jiang Kun, Kan Lijun, Li Yang||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1990 |January 26 | Huang Yihe || Zhao Zhongxiang ||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1991 |February 14 | Lang Kun ||[[Zhao Zhongxiang]], Hu Miao, [[Ni Ping]], Zhang Hongming, [[Li Ruiying]]||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1992 |February 3 | Zhao An || [[Yang Lan]], [[Zhao Zhongxiang]], [[Ni Ping]] ||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1993 |January 22 | Zhang Ziyang || Liang Yanling, Li Qing'an, Zhang Yongquan, [[Yang Lan]], [[Zhao Zhongxiang]], [[Ni Ping]] ||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1994 |February 9 | Lang Kun || [[Ni Ping]], [[Cheng Qian]] ||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1995 |January 30 | Zhao An || [[Zhao Zhongxiang]], [[Ni Ping]], Xu Gehui ||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1996 |February 18 | Zhang Xiaohai ||[[Zhao Zhongxiang]], [[Ni Ping]] [[Shanghai]] - [[Cheng Qian]], Yuan Ming [[Xi'an]], Shaanxi - Zhang Xiao, [[Zhou Tao]]||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1997 |February 6 | Yuan Dewang || Zhao Zhongxiang, Ni Ping, Cheng Qian, Zhou Tao, [[Zhu Jun (host)|Zhu Jun]], Ya Ning||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1998 |January 27 | Meng Xin || Zhao Zhongxiang, Ni Ping, Zhou Tao, Zhu Jun, Ya Ning, Wang Xuechun||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 1999 |February 15 | Liu Tiemin, Huang Xiaohai, Chen Yulu|| Zhao Zhongxiang, Ni Ping, Zhou Tao, Zhu Jun||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 2000 |February 4 | [[Zhao An]], Zhang Xiaohai || Zhao Zhongxiang, Ni Ping, Zhou Tao, Zhu Jun, Zhao An, [[Zhao Wei]], Zhang Xiaohai, [[Deric Wan]], [[Brenda Wang]], [[Pu Cunxin]], Niu Qun, [[Feng Gong]], Yang Lan, Jiang Kun, [[Bai Yansong]], Wen Qing, Zhao Lin, Cao Ying, [[Li Xiaomeng]], [[Cui Yongyuan]], [[Wen Xingyu]], [[Ju Ping]]||N/A||N/A||N/A |- | 2001 |January 23 | Wang Xianping, Wang Xiansheng, Jin Yue || Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Zhang Zheng, Cao Ying||33.2||N/A||638 |- | 2002 |February 11 | [[Chen Yulu]] || Ni Ping, Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, [[Li Yong (television host)|Li Yong]], [[Wang Xiaoya]], Wen Qing [[Shenzhen]], Guangdong - Cao Ying, Zhang Zheng||35.1||N/A||N/A |- | 2003 |January 31 | Jin Yue || Ni Ping, Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Li Yong||33.8||N/A||N/A |- | 2004 |January 21 | Yuan Dewang || Ni Ping, Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Li Yong||36.4||N/A||N/A |- | 2005 |February 8 | Lang Kun || Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Li Yong, Dong Qing||37.6||N/A||N/A |- | 2006 |January 28 | Lang Kun || Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Li Yong, Dong Qing, Zhang Zequn, Liu Fangfei||31.7||N/A||N/A |- | 2007 |February 17 | Jin Yue || Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Li Yong, Dong Qing, Zhang Zequn, Liu Fangfei||31.4||N/A||N/A |- | 2008 |February 6 | Chen Linchun, Zhang Xiaohai || Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Li Yong, Dong Qing, Zhang Zequn, Liu Fangfei, [[Bai Yansong]]||32.4||N/A||N/A |- | 2009 |January 25 | Lang Kun || Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Dong Qing, Zhang Zequn, Bai Yansong, [[Zhu Xun]]||34.8||N/A||N/A |- | 2010 |February 13 | Jin Yue || Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Dong Qing, Zhang Zequn, [[Ren Luyu]], [[Ouyang Xiadan]]||30.9||N/A||N/A |- | 2011 |February 2 | Chen Linchun, Ma Dong, Liu Gang || Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Dong Qing, Li Yong, Zhang Zequn, Zhu Xun||31.0||N/A||N/A |- | 2012 |January 22 | [[Ha Wen]] || Zhu Jun, Li Yong, Dong Qing, [[Bi Fujian]], [[Sa Beining]], [[Li Sisi]]||32.8||N/A||770 |- | 2013 |February 9 | Ha Wen || Zhu Jun, Li Yong, Dong Qing, Bi Fujian, Sa Beining, Li Sisi||31.2||N/A||750 |- | 2014 |January 30 | [[Feng Xiaogang]] || Zhu Jun, Dong Qing, Bi Fujian, Li Sisi, [[Zhang Guoli]]||30.9||33.15||705 |- | 2015 |February 18 | Ha Wen || Zhu Jun, Dong Qing, [[Kang Hui (news anchor)|Kang Hui]], Li Sisi, Sa Beining, Zhu Xun, Bi Fujian, [[Negmat Rahman]]||*28.37||29.60||690 |- | 2016 |February 7 | Lü Yitao || Zhu Jun, Dong Qing, Zhou Tao, Li Sisi, Sa Beining, Negmat Rahman [[Xi'an]], Shaanxi - Zhu Xun, Xu Jie (Shaanxi Broadcast Corporation, SXBC) [[Guangzhou]], Guangdong - Ren Luyu, Deng Lu ([[Guangdong Radio and Television]], GRT) [[Quanzhou]], Fujian - Li Jiaming, Zhao Linshuo (Quanzhou TV) [[Hulunbuir]], Inner Mongolia - Ma Yue, Ourentuya (Inner Mongolia TV, NMTV) ||*N/A||30.98||1033 |- | 2017 |January 27 | Yang Dongsheng || Beijing - Zhu Jun, Dong Qing, Negmat Rahman, Kang Hui, Zhu Xun [[Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture|Liangshan]], Sichuan - Yang Fan, Ahore-Ri (Sichuan Radio & Television, SRT) [[Shanghai]] - Meng Shengnan, Cao Kefan (Shanghai Meida Group, SMG) [[Guilin]], Guangxi - Zhang Lei, Gao Feng (Guangxi Television, GXTV) [[Harbin]], Heilongjiang - Guan Tong, Zhou Wei (Heilongjiang Television, HLJTV)||*N/A||30.88||*N/A |- | 2018 |February 15 | Yang Dongsheng || Beijing - Kang Hui, Zhu Xun, Ren Luyu, Li Sisi, Negmat Rahman [[Sanya]], Hainan - Zhang Zequn, Wang Si (Hainan Television) [[Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture|Qiandongnan]], Guizhou - Ma Yue, Dou Aili (Guizhou Television, GTV) [[Tai'an]] and [[Qufu]], Shandong - Li Jiaming, Li Yi (Shandong Television, SDTV) [[Zhuhai]], Guangdong - Yang Fan, Gui Jiachen (Zhuhai Television, ZHTV)|| || || 1,131 |- | 2019 |February 4 | Liu Zhen || Beijing - Kang Hui, Zhu Xun, Ren Luyu, Li Sisi, Negmat Rahman [[Jinggangshan City|Jinggangshan]], Jiangxi - Zhang Yu, Yin Song (Jiangxi Television, JTV) [[Changchun]], Jilin - Zhang Zequn, Yang Fan (Jilin Television) [[Shenzhen]], Guangdong - Yang Fan, Pangwei (Shenzhen Media Group, SZMG) | |30.07 |1,173 |- | 2020 |January 24 | Yang Dongsheng || Beijing - Ren Luyu, Negmat Rahman, [[Tong Liya]], Yin Song, Zhang Shuyue [[Zhengzhou]] - Zhang Zequn, [[Ma Yue]], Pang Xiaoge, [[Mi Na (disambiguation)|Mi Na]] [[Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area]] - [[Myolie Wu]], Daniel Liu, Xu Lunan | | | |- |2021 |February 11 |Chen Linchun |Ren Luyu, Negmat Rahman, Li Sisi, Long Yang, Zhang Tao | | | |- |2022 |January 31 |Liu Zhen |Ren Luyu, Negmat Rahman, Li Sisi, Sa Beining, [[Ma Fanshu]] | | | |- |2023 |January 21 | rowspan="4" |Yu Lei |[[Ren Luyu]], [[Negmat Rahman]], [[Ma Fanshu]], [[Long Yang]], [[Sa Beining]], Wang Jianing | | | |- |2024 |February 9 | rowspan="3" |[[Ren Luyu]], [[Negmat Rahman]], [[Ma Fanshu]], [[Long Yang]], [[Sa Beining]] | | | |- |2025 |January 28 | | | |- |2026 |February 16 | | | | |}

===Notes for rating and viewers data=== *2001–2014 Data source: CSM Media Research.<ref>CSM media research</ref> {{better reference needed|date=September 2025}}

===Recurring Performers=== As the program is watched by more Chinese than any other program, not just from China itself but also from overseas Chinese and viewers abroad via CCTV's international channels, a performance in the New Year's Gala could propel a relatively unknown name into household talk and national celebrity (and possible international hit status and social media stardom) overnight. Since the beginning of this program many great stars of Chinese pop music have been discovered, comedians started their careers, and Taiwan and Hong Kong singers earning not just exposure to mainland viewers but also attention from fans around the world watching the ''Gala'' live or on demand. An appearance by any major Mandopop star on the Gala will expose his or her music to overseas audiences, a newcomer's first song in the program guarantees not just fame and stardom but also a fanbase of millions of TV and online viewers.

The following is a list of people who have gained their fame largely from their performances at the ''Gala'', or whose names have become frequently associated with the ''Gala'' through the years. This list is not to be confused with the "guest stars" list below, which identifies celebrities who were famous in their own right prior to their appearance at the ''Gala''. These individuals have been part of the Gala's long history, and are very much the people that many viewers remember from past editions.

*[[Zhao Benshan]]; [[Gao Xiumin (actress)|Gao Xiumin]]; [[Fan Wei (actor)|Fan Wei]]; – skits, 1990s – 2010s; [[Xiaoshenyang]] – 2009 *[[Song Dandan]]; [[Chen Peisi]]; [[Zhu Shimao]] – skits, 1990s *[[Guo Da]], [[Cai Ming (actress)|Cai Ming]], [[Pan Changjiang]], [[Huang Hong (actor)|Huang Hong]], [[Guo Donglin]], [[Gong Hanlin]] – skits, 1990s – 2010s *[[Jia Ling]] – skits, 2010s – 2020s *[[Feng Gong]] and Niu Qun – xiangsheng, 1990s – 2000s (decade) *[[Ma Ji]], [[Jiang Kun (comedian)|Jiang Kun]] – xiangsheng *[[Dashan]] (stage name of Canadian Mark Rowswell), gained his fame through the Gala, 1990s – 2010s *[[Song Zuying]], [[Peng Liyuan]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theodora.com/style/peng_liyuan_fashion_style.html |title=Peng Liyuan Glamour - - The Elegant Style of China's First Lady |work=Theodora's Fashion |access-date=2014-10-11}}</ref> [[Dong Wenhua]], [[Mao Amin]], [[Zhang Ye (singer)|Zhang Ye]], [[Han Lei]], [[Jiang Dawei]], [[Yan Weiwen]], [[Yin Xiumei]]; folk and opera singers, 1990s – 2010s *[[Li Guyi]], usually the performer of the last segment of the evening, "Nanwang Jinxiao" ("Tonight is Unforgettable")

===Guest appearances=== {{incomplete list|date=February 2014}} These performers have made appearances at the ''Gala''. They are listed by alphabetical order (by their last name, or if they perform under an artistic name, by that name) based on the common name they are known by internationally.<ref>{{cite web|title=2013中央电视台春节联欢晚会节目单|url=http://chunwan.cctv.com/include/jiemudan/2013.shtml|work=cctv.com|access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref> {{Div col}} * [[A-do]] (duet with [[Zhao Wei]] in 2004) * [[Abao]] (2006, 2014) * [[Alilang Group]], singing [[Doraji (folk song)|Doraji]] (2009) * [[Angelababy]] (2019) * [[Ayanga]] (2016, 2019, 2020, 2021) * [[Attraction (shadow theatre group)|Attraction]] (2014) * [[Bai Lu (actress)|Bai Lu]] (2025, 2026) * [[Bi Wenjun]] (2026) * [[Cai Chengyu]] (2020, 2022) * [[Daniel Chan|Danny Chan]] (2009) * [[Eason Chan]] (2009, 2012, 2025) * [[Jackie Chan]] (1989; 1993; 2005; 2009; 2014; 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2026) * [[William Chan]] (2017–2020) * [[Angela Chang]] (2007; 2008; 2020) * [[Jeff Chang (singer)|Jeff Chang]] (2017) * [[Chang Chen]] (2015) * [[Kelly Chen]] (2019) * [[Chen Kun]] (2012; 2020) * [[Cheng Xiao]] (2025) * [[Charlene Choi]] (2017) * [[Steve Chou]] (2026) * [[Cosmic Girls]] (2017) * [[Cui Yongyuan]] (1998; 2006; 2013) * [[Jay Chou]] (2008; 2009; 2011; 2018) * [[Celine Dion]] (2013) * [[Dilraba Dilmurat]] (2019, 2026) * [[Dimash Kudaibergen]] (2018, 2023, 2025) * [[Fan Chengcheng]] (2026) * [[Fei Xiang]] (1987, 2012) * [[Fei Yu-Ching]] (2008, 2019) * [[Fire of Anatolia]] (2013) * [[Fu Yuanhui]] (2017) * [[G.E.M. (singer)|G.E.M.]] (2015; 2017) * [[Curley G]] (2025, 2026) * [[Guan Xiaotong]] (2017; 2019; 2021) * [[Guo Degang]] (2013) * [[Guo Junchen]] (2026) * [[Hao Ge]] (2007, 2008) * [[Han Geng]] (2011) * [[Han Hong (singer)|Han Hong]] (2007; 2011; 2017) * [[Hou Dejian]] (1988) * [[Hou Minghao]] (2025) * [[Hou Yong (actor)|Hou Yong]] (2016) * [[Lars Huang]] (2025, 2026) * [[Huang Shengyi]] (2008) * [[Valen Hsu]] (2016) * [[Hua Chenyu]] (2014) * [[Huang Bo]] (2014; 2018) * [[Huang Xiaoming]] (2018–2020) * [[Hu Ge]] (2016; 2017) * [[Richie Jen]] (1999) * [[Jiang Xin]] (2017) * [[Jing Boran]] (2017) * [[Ju Jingyi]] (2020) * [[Khalil Fong]] (2011) * [[Leon Lai]] (2000) * [[Lang Lang]] (2013; 2015; 2020) * [[Liang Qiqi]] (2008) * [[Andy Lau]] (1995; 1998; 2006; 2015; 2021) * [[Carina Lau]] (2020) * [[Coco Lee]] (2001; 2014; 2017) * [[Hacken Lee]] (2017) * [[Jam Hsiao]] (2011) * [[Lee Min-ho]] (2014) * [[John Legend]] (2026) * [[Gigi Leung]] (2016) * [[Li Jian (singer)|Li Jian]] (2011) * [[Li Ronghao]] (2020) * [[Li Qin (actress)|Li Qin]] (2026) * [[Li Xian (actor)|Li Xian]] (2020, 2025, 2026) * [[Li Yifeng]] (2019) * [[Li Yuchun]] (2015; 2020; 2025) * [[Li Yundi]] (2001; 2012; 2013) * [[Li Yunrui]] (2026) * [[Lin Chi-ling]] (2011, 2019) * [[Ruby Lin]] (1998, 2016) * [[Terry Lin]] (2019) * [[JJ Lin]] (2006; 2017) * [[Liu Hegang]] (2008) * [[Liu Huan]] (2020) * [[Liu Tao]] (2015, 2016, 2017; 2019; 2020) * [[Liu Xiao Ling Tong]] (1992) * [[Liu Yuning]] (2025, 2026) * [[Show Lo]] (2020) * [[Lu Chen (magician)|Lu Chen]] (2009; 2010; 2012; 2013; 2019) * [[Lu Jihong]] (2011) * [[Luhan (entertainer)|Lu Han]] (2017) * [[Ma Sichun]] (2020, 2025) * [[Ma Tianyu]] (2017) * [[Maksim Mrvica]] (2018) * [[Sophie Marceau]] (2014) * [[Mao Buyi]] (2025, 2026) * [[Mao Xiaotong]] (2025, 2026) * [[Karen Mok]] (2015, 2025) * [[Warren Mok]] (2015; 2020) * [[Wu Muye]] (2018) * [[Na Ying]] (1992, 1993; 1995–1998; 2000, 2001; 2005; 2013; 2015; 2018) * [[Ouyang Nana]] (2026) * [[OneRepublic]] (2025) * [[Pang Long]] (2006; 2007; 2008) * [[Eddie Peng]] (2020) * [[Phoenix Legend]] (2008; 2013; 2015–2017; 2019; 2020, 2025, 2026) * [[Qiao Xin]] (2017) * [[Qin Lan]] (2026) * [[Ren Yueli]] (2011) * [[Lionel Richie]] (2026) * [[Ronan Parke]] (2013) * [[S.H.E]] (2008; 2013) * [[Fiona Sit]] (2025, 2026) * [[Song Zu'er]] (2020) * [[Sun Nan]] (2012–2014; 2019; 2020) * [[Tan Songyun]] (2026) * [[David Tao]] (2007; 2015) * [[T-ara]] (2015) * [[TFBoys]] (2016–2020) * [[Jolin Tsai]] (2005; 2007) * [[Mike Tsang]] (2025, 2026) * [[Nicholas Tse]] (2000) * [[Twins (band)|Twins]] (2006) * [[Wang Churan]] (2026) * [[Jackson Wang]] (2020) * [[Wang Kai (actor)|Wang Kai]] (2017; 2018) * [[Wang Leehom]] (2003; 2010; 2012; 2013) * [[Silence Wang]] (2023, 2024, 2025, 2026) * [[Wang Xingyue]] (2025) * [[Wang Yibo]] (2021, 2025, 2026) * [[Wang Ziwen]] (2017) * [[Wanting Qu|Wanting]] (2013) * [[Westlife]] (2026) * [[Faye Wong]] (1998; 2010; 2011; 2012; 2018; 2025, 2026) * [[Wu Jing (actor)|Wu Jing]] (2018) * [[Xiao Hu Dui]] (1992; 2013) * [[Xiao Zhan]] (2020) * [[Joker Xue]] (2025) * [[Yan Tiexin]] (2011) * [[Aska Yang]] (2019) * [[Yang Yang (actor)|Yang Yang]] (duet with Tong Tiexin sing “Father and Son” (父子) in 2016, 2018)<ref>{{cite web|title=CCTV New Year Gala 2016|url=http://www.whatsonweibo.com/cctvs-new-years-gala-2016/ |work=whatsonweibo.com|date=February 7, 2016 |access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref> * [[Yang Zi (actress)|Yang Zi]] (2017; 2018; 2019; 2020; 2023) * [[Yao Beina]] (2007; 2010; 2014) * [[Jackson Yee]] (2025, 2026) * [[Sally Yeh]] (1996) * [[Donnie Yen]] (2016) * [[Frances Yip]] (1987) * [[Yisa Yu]] (2019) * [[Yue Yunpeng]] (2014; 2015; 2017; 2019; 2020) * [[Yuqi]] (2025) * [[Joey Yung]] (2005; 2007; 2009; 2010; 2011; 2019) * [[Jane Zhang]] (2026) * [[Jason Zhang]] (2017; 2019, 2026) * [[Lay Zhang]] (2017–21; 25) * [[Zhang Ruonan]] (2026) * [[Zhang Ruoyun]] (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026) * [[Zhang Zifeng]] (2025) * [[Zhang Ziyi]] (2000; 2001; 2008) * [[Zhao Wei]] (2000; 2004; 2016) * [[Zhou Dongyu]] (2019; 2020) * [[Charlie Zhou Shen]] (2021; 2023; 2024; 2025; 2026) * [[Zhu Yilong]] (2020) {{Div col end}} *Members of the [[Chinese Space Program]] (2007–2009, 2017) *2008 also featured a poem dedicated to the victims of the [[2008 Chinese winter storms]] with it being performed by eminent performers, including [[Li Ruiying]], [[Kang Hui (news anchor)|Kang Hui]], [[Pu Cunxin]], [[Wang Gang (actor)|Wang Gang]], [[Chen Daoming]], [[Jiang Wen]], [[Han Lei]], [[Wei Wei (singer)|Wei Wei]] and [[Zhang Guoli]]. 2020 included a tribute to the COVID-19 victims and medical staff, read out by [[Bai Yansong]], Kang Hui, [[Shui Junyi]], He Hongmei, [[Hai Xia]], and [[Ouyang Xiadan]] *Then-United Nation Secretary-General [[Ban Ki-moon]] appeared in a New Year's greeting in 2016.

== See also == * ''[[CCSTV New Year's Gala]]'' * ''[[Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve]]'' * ''[[Gặp nhau cuối năm]]'' * ''[[Little Blue Light]]''

==References== {{reflist|2}}

==External links== *[http://chunwan.cctv.com/ CCTV Official Website for the ''Gala'']

[[Category:China Central Television]] [[Category:Chinese New Year]] [[Category:Chinese television shows]] [[Category:New Year's television specials]] [[Category:2010s Chinese television series]] [[Category:1983 Chinese television series debuts]] [[Category:1980s Chinese television series]] [[Category:1990s Chinese television series]] [[Category:2000s Chinese television series]] [[Category:Mandarin-language television shows]]