Landmark buildings across eight Chinese cities have been illuminated with the logo and theme of the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, heralding the upcoming Year of the Horse. 

Chinese Media Group (CMG) unveiled the gala’s official theme, “Galloping Steed, Onward Unstoppable”, inspired by a line from an ancient Chinese poetry anthology. The light shows brightened skylines in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hengyang and Huzhou, celebrating the spirit of strength, perseverance and forward momentum embodied by the horse in the Chinese zodiac.

Since 1983, the Spring Festival Gala has been a highlight of Lunar New Year celebrations, featuring songs, dances, comic sketches, operas and folk performances. Recognised as the world’s most-watched television programme, it brings families together on the eve of the new lunar year. This year, the gala will air on February 16, 2026, ushering in the vibrant and energetic Year of the Horse.

Source: China Central Television