Hala China to broadcast live China’s most-watched New Year Eve variety show for first time in Dubai

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.