Roots United, Dreams Shared: 2026 Global Chinese Spring Festival Gala Kicks Off with Stars Gathering to Celebrate Reunion
— "One Heart Across Four Seas, Forging Ahead into a New Journey" – A Cross-Continental Cultural Extravaganza Blossoms in Beijing
As spring vibes sweep across the capital and hearts unite to celebrate the New Year, the "Roots United, Dreams Shared 2026 Global Chinese Spring Festival Gala & Model Figures Annual Ceremony" grandly kicked off at the China National Convention Center in Beijing on January 19, 2026. Two years in the making, this prestigious cultural event, themed "One Heart Across Four Seas, Forging Ahead into a New Journey," brought together overseas Chinese, elites from political, business, academic and cultural circles hailing from 36 countries and regions. Weaving nostalgia through art and uniting strength via the grand ceremony, it struck a harmonious chord of reunion for global Chinese celebrating the Year of the Horse.
As a high-level national event for overseas Chinese, the gala boasted a stellar and distinguished guest lineup. Leaders from the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, officials from ministries including the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council attended to offer guidance. Ambassadors of various countries to China and representatives of overseas Chinese leaders were also present, demonstrating the country's great importance to the Chinese community and overseas Chinese affairs. On the cultural stage, artists of three generations joined hands to perform: veteran national singers such as Guan Mucun and Mao Ning presented classic melodies, while outstanding talents from the Chinese music and entertainment industry also graced the event. Upholding the previous edition's concept of "veterans mentoring newcomers," the gala perfectly integrated classic folk songs, traditional folk arts with trendy innovations and cross-border youthful expressions. The hilarious crosstalk performance by renowned artists Chen Hanbai and Liu Ji brought the house down with laughter. Intangible cultural heritage showcases intertwined with modern technological art, offering global audiences an audio-visual feast that blends profound cultural heritage with contemporary flair.
Diverging from traditional Spring Festival galas, this year's event innovatively adopted an integrated "trinity" model of "forum + exhibition + gala + awards ceremony," creating a multi-dimensional communication platform. The Global Chinese Development Forum featured three sub-forums on digital economy, cultural innovation, and international exchange, where Nobel laureates, prominent entrepreneurs, and academic experts shared insights and offered suggestions for the collaborative development of global Chinese. During the star-studded red carpet session, VIP guests made stunning appearances in exquisite costumes tailor-made by national-level intangible cultural heritage inheritors, showcasing the confident elegance of contemporary Chinese people. The solemn Model Figures Annual Ceremony honored Chinese public welfare pioneers, technological leaders, and cultural communicators who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields, interpreting the mission of "uniting family and country with one heart" through role model power. Additionally, the premium catering experience crafted by the state banquet chef team from the Great Hall of the People and Rolls-Royce-level chauffeured transportation services throughout the event made participating guests feel the warmth of reunion transcending geographical distances.
Technological empowerment enhanced the immersive experience of this cultural feast. The gala's creative team included core members of Zhang Yimou's directorial team and key planners of the Beijing Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies. Employing cutting-edge technologies such as 360-degree holographic projection, Augmented Reality (AR) , and AI intelligent interaction, the team vividly presented the five chapters: "Passing the Torch," "Innovating the Future," "One Heart Across Four Seas," "Splendid China," and "Epic of the Times." Through live broadcasts by over 50 media outlets worldwide, the event delivered New Year blessings to audiences in more than 160 countries and regions simultaneously, allowing overseas Chinese to share the "reunion moment under the same sky" even when far from their hometowns. In his keynote speech, Zhuang Congsheng, former Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, offered an inspiring message: "As long as confidence remains unshaken, there are always more solutions than difficulties." This powerful statement resonated deeply with the entire audience and became a spiritual driving force encouraging global Chinese to forge ahead.
It is reported that since its inception, the "Roots United, Dreams Shared" series of Spring Festival galas has adhered to the original aspiration of "inheriting Chinese culture and uniting national emotions," evolving into an important cultural bridge connecting Chinese people at home and abroad. More than just a New Year celebration, this year's gala represented a spiritual homecoming and a gathering of strength. It not only demonstrated the strong cohesion and vitality of Chinese culture but also highlighted the magnificent momentum of global Chinese uniting for collaboration and development in the new era.
On January 19, the gala concluded successfully in a joyous and harmonious atmosphere. The thematic melody of "One Heart Across Four Seas, Forging Ahead into a New Journey," accompanied by the forging ahead clarion call of the Year of the Horse, will inspire global Chinese to remember their roots, walk hand in hand, and write a new chapter in the great journey of national rejuvenation.
Liu Haotian, the fourth-generation inheritor of Hua-style calligraphy and a disciple of Zhang Zhengyi, was invited to attend the "Roots United, Dreams Shared 2026 Global Chinese Spring Festival Gala & Model Figures Annual Ceremony" held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing on January 19, 2026, where he participated in the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) exhibition and cultural exchange sessions.
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