Hala China, by Meraas and Dubai Holding, will host a live broadcast of China’s most-watched New Year variety TV show as it continues its citywide Chinese New Year celebrations.

The big screens at City Walk by Meraas will broadcast a live feed of the Spring Festival Gala – or Chunwan, as it is known among the Chinese population – from China Central Television (CCTV) on 24 January. The programme draws a viewership of over one billion every year.

Hosted by the China Media Group in collaboration with the General Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai and Hala China, the 4.5-hour variety show will be screened from 4pm to 8pm.

In 2012, Guinness World Records recognised Chunwan as the most-watched national network TV broadcast. It features music, dance, comedy and drama performances and has become a ritual for many Chinese families, including Chinese expats, in ushering in the New Year.

Hala China has already welcomed the Year of the Rat with spectacular pomp by hosting the biggest-ever Chinese New Year celebrations outside of mainland China. More than 50,000 visitors flocked to Meraas’ leading destinations last weekend alone. And the festivities continue across the city with traditional performances set to dazzle crowds at Dubai Frame, Bluewaters, La Mer, and Dubai Parks and Resorts from 24 January to 8 February.

Drum dancers, lion dancers and calligraphy artists will show off their skills at Dubai Frame on 24 January from 3pm to 6pm. Lion dancers and drum dancers will also perform at Bluewaters on 24 and 25 January from 5pm to 8pm.

Meanwhile, China’s famous TikTok influencer with over 1.6 billion views, ‘Roly Poly’ dancer Feng Jia Chen, will grace visitors with her skillful performance, carefully balancing herself on a giant rotating sphere for the Miss Tumbler show from 27 to 29 January at Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Umbrella dancers, lion dancers and drum artists will make an appearance at La Mer from 30 January to 1 February.

Running until 8 February is the China Box, a pop-up exhibition of Chinese New Year-themed arts and crafts from Beijing, Suzhou and Chengdu, accompanied by music performances.

The ‘Happy Chinese New Year’ 2020 celebrations are organised in association with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China. Strategic partners of the event include the China Cuisine Association, Lions Club Entertainment Group, Silk Road Flavour Restaurant, Meraas, Dubai Holding, Nikki Beach, and Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Hala China hosts a robust annual calendar of events, including food festivals, fashion shows, sporting competitions, as well as music and cultural festivals. Hala China focuses on exploring opportunities for collaboration in tourism, trade and investment between the UAE and China that facilitate economic development in the two countries.

Schedule of Events:

Performance	Date	Time	Location
CCTV Spring Festival Gala – Live Broadcast	24 January	4pm to 8pm	City Walk
Drum Dance	24-25 January	5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm	Bluewaters
Lion Dance
Drum Performance	24 January	3pm, 4pm and 5pm	Dubai Frame
Lion Dance
Calligraphy Performances		3pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm
Miss Tumbler Show	27-29 January	5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm	Dubai Parks and Resorts
Drum Dance	30 January – 1 February	6pm, 7pm and 9pm	La Mer
Lion Dance
Umbrella Dance
China Box	16 January – 8 February	10am to midnight	City Walk