Chongqing's CMG Spring Festival Gala sub-venue boosts local tourism

Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality has become a new tourist hotspot, as the Chongqing sub-venue of China Media Group's (CMG) 2025 Spring Festival Gala continues to draw visitors from near and far.

The stunning 8D magical stage, set against the backdrop of Chongqing’s iconic riverfront, has captivated tourists eager to experience and capture the city's unique charm.

Located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, the main stage of the Chongqing sub-venue is one of the best spots to enjoy the city's spectacular night views. From January 30 to February 12, the stage is open to the public, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

"I watched the Spring Festival Gala live on Chinese New Year's Eve and found it to be a breathtaking visual and auditory feast. Experiencing it in person today feels completely different. I can truly sense the spirit of Chongqing, the city of mountains -- navigating steep climbs and reaching greater heights despite all challenges," said Yu Zhiqiang, a visitor exploring the city.

In addition to visiting the stage, visitors can also enjoy a spectacular nightly drone show at the river juncture, featuring Spring Festival celebrations and the CMG Spring Festival Gala.

"It is very lively here, and as a Chongqing resident, I am very proud that our city was selected as a sub-venue for the Spring Festival Gala. We warmly welcome everyone to visit our city. Welcome to Chongqing!" said Gan Junman.

According to statistics, from Monday to Thursday, the four days surrounding Wednesday’s Spring Festival, Chongqing’s Nan’an District, home to the main stage of the CMG Spring Festival Gala Chongqing sub-venue, welcomed over 280,000 overnight visitors -- a 44 percent increase from last year.

Meanwhile, the nearby areas of the gala stage saw nearly 300,000 visits during the same period, marking a 155 percent year-on-year surge, with over 35 percent of visitors coming from outside Chongqing, further highlighting the 2025 Spring Festival Gala’s significant boost to the city’s tourism industry.

"We are now focused on building on the momentum of the Spring Festival Gala. By developing a cultural IP around the Gala and integrating it into cultural and tourism projects, we aim to continuously expand and enhance its brand influence," said Li Renxing, deputy head of the Culture and Tourism Committee of Chongqing’s Nan’an District.

Chongqing's CMG Spring Festival Gala sub-venue boosts local tourism

Mexico will unveil retaliatory tariffs against the United States on Sunday, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Tuesday, condemning the U.S. tariff hike as "unjustified."

Sheinbaum, who had called for "temperance, serenity and patience" ahead of the tariff enforcement, reaffirmed that Mexico would not tolerate subordination or foreign intervention. She also accused Washington of violating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and rejected White House claims linking her government to organized crime, calling them "offensive and baseless."

The 25-percent U.S. tariffs, which took effect at midnight between Monday and Tuesday, have already impacted Mexico's financial markets. The Mexican peso depreciated nearly 1 percent on Tuesday, reaching 20.90 per U.S. dollar in interbank trading. Analysts attribute the decline to concerns over escalating trade tensions, warning that further U.S. tariff hikes could follow.

With roughly 80 percent of Mexico's exports heading to the United States, analysts warn that the dispute poses significant challenges for both economies.

Despite the ongoing tensions, Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico remains open to dialogue while preparing countermeasures to safeguard its economic interests.

Mexico to impose retaliatory tariffs on US: President