Chinese Tibetologists visit France, Norway to share Chinese modernization path in Xizang

A group of Chinese Tibetologists shared Chinese modernization path in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region during their visit to France and Norway from Sept. 20 to 25.

During many activities held with local think tanks, experts and scholars, they presented the new journey of Chinese modernization in Xizang from the aspects of the country's efforts to achieve common prosperity, and harmonious co-existence between man and nature, and form new types of civilization.

Attendees from France and Norway said that Xizang has always been a part of China since ancient times, and the international community has reached a consensus on this. The exchange activities are very beneficial to enhancing mutual understanding.

The 2025 Spring Festival Gala hosted and aired by the China Media Group (CMG) has delivered over four hours of captivating cultural performances to audiences tuning in from all around the world as people celebrate one of the most important Chinese holidays.

The gala opened at 20:00 Tuesday Beijing time on the eve of the Chinese New Year of the Snake, with performances being staged at the main venue in Beijing and at four sub-venues across the country, namely Wuxi, Wuhan, Chongqing and Lhasa.

Themed "Year of the Snake, Keep Your Spirit Awake", the annual television extravaganza featured a dazzling array of singing and dancing, opera, comedy sketches, martial arts and other performances.

As the first gala held since the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Spring Festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December last year, this year's show featured more elements of intangible cultural heritage such as Lazi Duixie, a traditional tap dance from Lazi County in Xizang Autonomous Region, and the ritual act of Yingge Dance which is popular in the Chaoshan area of the southern Guangdong Province.

Highlighting a blend of traditional and modern elements, with performances ranging from humanoid robots performing folk dances, to operas with regional traditions, to comedy sketches and magic tricks, the gala once again demonstrated the rich and diverse culture of China as it brought together artists from the mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, and performers of various ethnic groups.

A delightful collision of cultures was also displayed at the event, with Chinese and Peruvian artists sharing the stage to deliver a performance blending a traditional Chinese folk song with a popular Peruvian orchestral musical piece.

The gala also featured a performance by American pop rock band OneRepublic, who gave a rendition of their popular single 'Counting Stars' from the stage of the sub-venue in Wuhan.

The marathon variety show reached its climax with the countdown to New Year and the ringing of the midnight bell signaling the arrival of the Year of the Snake.

Also known as "Chunwan", the gala was first broadcast in 1983 and is seen as a major cultural symbol for Spring Festival celebrations in China.

Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's most-watched annual TV program, the hours-long television extravaganza attracts over a billion views every year.