Since 1983, Chinese families have sat down to wrap dumplings and watch CCTV’s Chinese New Year Gala on television on s Eve. It’s a Chinese New Year’s Eve tradition that nearly every family in China participates in. The Chinese New Year Gala features a variety of skits and performances. The show might seem difficult to understand or enjoy. Indeed, the gala comes across as over-the-top, trying to be all things to all people with traditional programs such as Chinese operas for the elderly, and trendy pop music and dancing for the younger generation.
The show has also made celebrities out of first-time performers. The show features four CCTV hosts who introduce the various acts and participate in some skits. The Chinese New Year lands on January 28th in 2017, and it would be hard to celebrate a modern day Chinese New Year without the CCTV Chinese New Year Gala.
What Performances are displayed in the Chinese New Year Gala?
Every Chinese New Year, CCTV (China Central Television) puts on a grand entertainment gala full of song, dance, and stand-up comedy. The gala is also known as 中国中央电视台春节联欢晚会 and is abbreviated as 春晚 (chūn wǎn) by native Chinese speakers. Now let’s look at some of the performances that can be expected in the Chinese New Year Gala.
1. Xiangsheng, 相声 (Xiàngsheng)
Xiangsheng or 相声 (xiàngsheng) or ‘crosstalk’ is a popular form of Chinese comedic dialogue acts. Normally two people stand on stage and exchange comedic dialogue back and forth. The comedians may tell stories, mimic others, or make fun of each other.
2. Comedic skits, 小品 (Xiǎopǐn)
These are short comedic skits revolving around New Year’s interactions and convey positive messages such respect for the elderly. A sure fire way to get gags at Chinese New Year Gala. This portion of the show focuses on generational differences, or the difference between urban and rural folk.
3. Song and Dance, 歌舞 (Gēwǔ)
From classical and folk songs to pop, most music genres are included in the show. Some acts mix song and dance while others feature solo singers or dance troupes. Traditional songs from every Chinese minority are also featured in the Chinese New Year Gala.
To appeal to the younger generation, the CCTV gala usually brings in some of the hottest new acts. In 2016, it was the TFBoys, a teenage boy band trio with a fan base of around 8 million at the time. Their appearance at the gala quickly made the trio a household name.
With a large portion of the audience being members of the older generation, traditional music still dominates the CCTV gala stage. Acts range from Chinese opera such as “The Journey to the West”. To nostalgic music about communist history such as “Without the Communist Party, There is No New China.”
Political Broadcasts/Adverts
As much as the CCTV Chinese New Year Gala is about entertainment and celebration. It is also a platform for the Chinese government to broadcast its political messages. 公益广告 (Gōngyì guǎnggào), or “public service announcements”. Which the government uses to raise awareness about certain social issues. In 2016, two public welfare commercials emphasized the bond between father and son and the importance of a unified family.
National unity, patriotism, and the reunification of China are reoccurring themes of the Gala. And each year has a special theme with an underlying message – in 2016, the theme was “You and Me, Our China Dream – Building a Moderately Prosperous Society.”
The Chinese New Year Gala Hosts
A rotating assembly of popular CCTV personalities serve as hosts to the gala, with the full cast of hosts in each year ranging from four to eight people:
1. 朱军 (Zhū Jūn)
An actor and TV host. He is known for consecutively hosting the past 19 galas.
2. 董卿 (Dǒng Qīng)
TV hostess who has hosted the gala since 2005.
3. 康辉 (Kāng Huī)
A Chinese news anchor, known all over China as the host of the 7 o’clock news. He became a host in 2015.
4. 李咏 (Li Yǒng)
One of the most recognizable faces in China. He is the host of popular CCTV programs such as Lucky 52, Super 6+1, and the new host of The Voice China. He is known for his flamboyant outfits and unconventional looks.
5. Negmat Rahman
A Chinese television host of Uighur heritage, he has been a host of the CCTV gala since 2015. It’s been said that the decision to invite a Uighur (a mostly Muslim ethnic group native to Xinjiang), is part of an effort to smooth political tensions.
Chinese New Year Gala Ratings
Domestic and overseas Chinese viewers tune in to the broadcast – in 2015, around 900 million people watched the CCTV gala broadcast. Almost eight times the viewership of the Superbowl. So, imagine how much an advertising slot during the gala must cost! In 2011, a 30-second commercial slot went for roughly 24 million U.S dollars. To put that in perspective, a 30-second slot for the Superbowl costs roughly 3.8 million dollars.
For people who have not grown up watching the Chinese New Year Gala. The show might seem difficult to understand or properly enjoy. The Chinese New Year Gala comes across as over-the-top, trying to be all things to all people. With traditional programs such as Chinese operas for the elderly. As well as trendy pop music and dancing for the younger generations.
Nevertheless, the CCTV Chinese New Year Gala is an essential, traditional part of the Chinese New Year experience. Viewed by multiple generations as extended families gather under one roof to enjoy a traditional dinner.
…Your Turn to Watch the Next CNY Gala
The CCTV Chinese New Year Gala is quite an experience, and if your in China it’s hard to miss it. Even if your Chinese isn’t good enough to understand it all. It’s still worth trying to watch it a bit for it’s uniqueness. And besides, it will give you a conversation starter with your Chinese friends!
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