Celebrations are lighting up cities far beyond China’s borders.Â
In Dubai, the iconic skyline once again became part of the festivities.
As the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, joined in sending Spring Festival greetings.
On the evening of February 15, ahead of the Chinese New Year, a dazzling Spring Festival light show, created by China Media Group, illuminated the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
The towering skyscraper was transformed into a canvas of light and motion, blending this year’s zodiac sign – the horse – with the Chinese lucky red and the call of spring.
LI ZHAO Burj Khalifa “Right behind me, the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is lighting up the night sky in celebration of the Chinese New Year. And this marks the seventh consecutive year that the Burj Khalifa has partnered up with China Media Group, sending out blessings to the Chinese people during the Spring Festival – a powerful symbol of the deepening cultural ties and friendship between China and the United Arab Emirates.”
Inspired by the idea of “four horses marching forward together,” the 2026 Spring Festival Gala made a grand appearance in front of thousands. The evolution of the Chinese character for “horse” – from ancient script to a newly designed galloping pattern – played out dynamically in light and motion.
As horses raced across the screen, the image shifted to the China Media Group headquarters in Beijing.
The tower then turned into a flowing Eastern scroll. Elegant peonies bloomed alongside towering date palm trees. The Chinese character “Spring” appeared next, followed by peach blossoms, red lanterns and vivid scenes of Chinese New Year traditions.
China Media Group’s Spring Festival Gala broadcasts annually on Chinese New Year’s Eve, and it has grown into a tradition for most Chinese families who gather for reunion dinners and stay up late to usher in the year ahead.
Known as one of the most watched national TV programs, the gala features a wide range of performances, including music, dance, comedy sketches, opera and large-scale visual spectacles.
Many Chinese at the scene say they’re very much looking forward to the gala show to ring in the Year of the Horse.
Li Zhao, CGTN, Dubai.
