Spring Festival Gala, most watched show in Chinese TV history

The Spring Festival Gala has become an annual fixture for Chinese families on the eve of the Lunar New Year since 1983.

This year’s show ran for four and a half hours and showcased more than 40 different entertainment items including a wealth of dancing and singing performances and a number of comedic acts, such as sketches and the popular cross-talk genre. The gala also featured acrobatic demonstrations and magic shows alongside traditional Chinese operas of various schools.

The Chinese Lunar New Year falls on January 28, with 2017 being the Year of the Rooster according to the Chinese zodiac.