The ancient city of Hefei, capital of Anhui province, achieved unprecedented global recognition on February 16th as it served as a distinguished sub-venue for China’s 2026 Spring Festival Gala broadcast. The cultural showcase transformed the typically industrial city into an international stage, mesmerizing viewers worldwide with its unique presentation that blended traditional Chinese elements with modern technological displays.
Foreign residents and previous visitors to Hefei expressed their fascination with the city’s gala performance, noting how the event dramatically altered their perception of the regional hub. Through exclusive interviews, international audience members revealed their renewed appreciation for Hefei’s cultural depth and contemporary vibrancy as portrayed during the broadcast. The gala presentation effectively served as both entertainment and cultural diplomacy, introducing global viewers to Hefei’s distinctive charm and developmental achievements.
The successful inclusion of Hefei in China’s most-watched television event signals a strategic effort to promote regional cities on the international stage. The gala’s producers masterfully wove Hefei’s local culture into the broader tapestry of Chinese New Year celebrations, creating a multimedia experience that resonated across cultural boundaries. This showcase not only celebrated the Year of the Horse but also demonstrated China’s ongoing initiative to highlight diverse regional identities within its national cultural narrative.