Gala Inaugurated in Coastal City
The 2026 China Cultural and Tourism Gala (Spring Festival Special) officially launched on February 7 in Yangjiang, a coastal city located in southern China's Guangdong Province. The event, co-organized by the China Media Group's Chinese Language Global Program Center and Yangjiang City, in collaboration with Guangdong Province, aims to showcase China's rich cultural heritage and promote the region's diverse tourism offerings to both domestic and international audiences during the Spring Festival period.
The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, falls on February 17 this year, with the official holiday spanning nine days from February 15 to 23.
Extensive Livestream and Interactive Experiences
A central feature of the gala was a nearly 20-hour livestream that aired from February 7 to 8. This interactive broadcast provided viewers with a comprehensive travel guide to China, combining live performances, cultural shows, and engaging travel content. The livestream included virtual tours of Yangjiang's iconic destinations, such as Hailing Island and the Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong, offering a glimpse into the city's natural beauty and historical significance.
Key segments of the online program included 'Have Fun in Guangdong,' 'Let's Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Guangdong,' and 'Please Visit Yangjiang during the Chinese New Year.' Representatives from all 21 prefecture-level cities in Guangdong Province, alongside 9 cities from 8 other provinces, participated to highlight their unique cultural tourism activities and resources. The livestream also featured interactive giveaways, including scenic spot tickets and tourist packages.
Offline Exhibition Showcases Local Culture and Cuisine
Beyond the digital realm, a main offline exhibition is being held from February 7 to 15 at the Yangjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center. This physical showcase immerses visitors in the local culture with a vibrant cultural plaza featuring:
- Traditional performances like lion dances and the Chaozhou-Shantou Yingge dance
- Yangjiang kite performances and Hanfu costume displays
- A lifestyle and consumption area highlighting Yangjiang's local products
- Three dedicated market zones for traditional handicrafts, fresh seafood, and festive Chinese New Year goods
Yangjiang, known as the 'Hometown of Chinese Kites' and a 'Lacquerware Hub,' leveraged its rich heritage for the event. The city's coastal identity was celebrated with a specially designed food street offering local seafood favorites, such as oyster-based dishes, charcoal-grilled fish, and seafood porridge, complemented by daily live cooking competitions. With a coastline stretching 470.2 kilometers and a maritime area of 12,300 square kilometers, Yangjiang is also recognized as the 'Capital of Green Energy.'
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