BRTV Spring Festival Gala unveils star-studded cast, set to wow TV audiences

The 2026 BRTV Spring Festival Gala has announced a star-studded cast and promises more than just a variety show — it's a 'cultural feast.' The meticulously prepared event is a celebration for the people, embedded with the warmth of humanity and the vibrant spirit of the city.

Part of star-studded cast is unveiled, including Jackie Chan and Lang Lang. [Photo courtesy of BRTV]

The event will be broadcast by Beijing Radio and Television Station (BRTV) and on all its platforms on Feb. 17, Chinese New Year's Day.

A representative for the TV station said this year's gala strives to present a celebration brimming with genuine emotion and closeness to everyday life. Artistic performances aim to embody the warm and intimate expressions of the holiday, and transform the stage into a shared space of reunion and joy.

The BRTV Spring Festival Gala will showcase a dynamic conversation between art and contemporary culture. This year's stage design breaks new ground by recreating the energy of a bustling "city living room" and the vitality of an "urban garden" right on stage. Through virtual technology and innovative visual effects, the gala blurs the line between reality and imagination, allowing performances to extend from the main stage into the audience. The result is an immersive experience that transforms viewers from spectators into participants.

The lineup promises diverse entertainment for every taste. Boy group Teens in Times (TNT) and Tan Jianci will bring high-energy performances to the stage. Comedians Cai Ming, Fu Hang, Liu Yu, and Luo Yizhou will blend humor with song and dance. Tony Leung Ka Fai, Hu Bing, and Qu Ying will explore themes of time and friendship through a musical number. Guan Xiaotong, Jin Jing, and Wang Yuwen will perform a creative piece that plays with past and present. Lang Lang will offer a special collaborative performance, while fan favorites Phoenix Legend will get the crowd on their feet with their signature energy.

This year's gala connects the generations through loyal icons like Jackie Chan, singers Sun Nan, Tan Weiwei, and Tu Honggang, who will all deliver heartfelt performances. Young singers like Liu Yuning, Shan Yichun, and Zhou Shen will also join these legends, offering music for all tastes and ages. Pop sensation and actor Xiao Zhan will also take the stage to perform.

The comedy segment has assembled diverse voices, all of whom will focus on essence of life. Masters of folk art such as Feng Gong, He Yunwei, and Song Ning will take the stage, using traditional forms like crosstalk to craft contemporary sounds, imparting life wisdom through familiar humor. 

Well-known comedy actors including Fan Ming, Song Xiaobao, Zhao Haiyan, Zhang Kaili, and Jiang Chao will also draw inspiration from everyday life. Comedians such as Wen Song, Yang Shulin, and Wang Ning, will also present interactive works with distinctive styles.

Simultaneously, popular and talented new-generation comedians like Li Xueqin, Xu Zhisheng, Yang Di, and Du Haitao will capture contemporary audience members with their keen observations, delivering fresh humor. Rising forces in comedy, including Jiang Long, Zuo Lingfeng, Guan Le, and Zhang Xiaowan will also appear. Much like the musical segments, there is something for everyone, with comedic faces like Yu Yan and Wu Anqi also joining the collective performance. 

A press release stated that from the beginning of its preparation, the 2026 BRTV Spring Festival Gala has firmly adhered to a "close-to-the-ground" grassroots approach. All innovation and effort is being directed towards one goal, which is creating a New Year celebration that truly belongs to the people. It stems from life, and returns to the essence of communal joy. The gala not only delves into down-to-earth expression in its content, but also boldly ventures beyond the studio in its format— with some segments being recorded in familiar public spaces like parks and hutongs. This allows art to naturally blend with the vibrancy of everyday life and lets the warmth grow and spread from streets and alleys. This year's gala strives to return to sincere and genuine expression, serving as the ultimate start to the new year.