Characters from hit blockbuster movie make surprise appearance at Lantern Festival gala

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China

Characters from hit blockbuster movie make surprise appearance at Lantern Festival gala

2025-02-12 20:28 Last Updated At：02-13 00:37

Characters from the hugely popular animated feature film "Ne Zha 2", which has become the highest grossing film in a single market, took to the stage during the Lantern Festival Gala on Wednesday evening, adding some movie magic to the traditional Chinese festival.

Hosted by the China Media Group (CMG), the gala boasted a star-studded lineup and delivered a high-tech visual-audio feast for viewers tuning in from around the world, with the Ne Zha-themed segment being one of the highlights.

The sequel movie has proven a huge family hit and has shattered box office records since its recent release during China's Spring Festival holiday, and has already amassed over 9.5 billion yuan (more than 1.3 billion U.S. dollars) as of Wednesday, becoming the first non-Hollywood film to surpass the billion-dollar-mark.

With the help of some cutting-edge tech, the film's main characters of Nezha and Aobing put in an appearance on stage as Lyu Yanting, the actress who voices the titular character 'Nezha', performed a duet with Chinese rock star Wowkie Zhang, accompanied by a troupe of child dancers.

The Lantern Festival, observed on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar, lands on Wednesday this year, and marks the conclusion of the country's Spring Festival celebrations, which center around the Chinese New Year.

First broadcast in 1985, the Lantern Festival Gala is again staging a whole host of entertaining variety performances including energetic song and dances, comedy sketches, as well as traditional operas and magic shows, highlighting China's unique cultural charm.

Chinese FM meets with new Sudanese counterpart

2025-05-15 01:12 Last Updated At：02:17

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Omer Mohamed Ahmed Siddig, the outgoing Sudanese ambassador to China and the newly appointed foreign minister of Sudan, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, congratulated Siddig on his assumption of office as Sudanese foreign minister, and expressed appreciation for his contributions to promoting the development of China-Sudan relations during his tenure as ambassador to China.

Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between China and Sudan, Wang called on both sides to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, promote continuous fruitful results in the bilateral relations, and bring benefits to the two peoples.

China supports Sudan firmly in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and supports Sudan in achieving peace, stability and development at an early date, said Wang, adding that China will continue to provide humanitarian assistance within its own capacity.

Siddig said that Sudan regards China as its most important partner and a trustworthy friend, prioritizes cooperation with China, and will continue to support China firmly in safeguarding its core interests.

As the new foreign minister, he will continue to spare no effort to promote the development of the Sudan-China strategic partnership, and will work collaboratively to implement a series of important global initiatives proposed by China.