In a mesmerizing eight-minute performance at the Xinjiang Kashi sub-venue of the 2024 China Central Television (CCTV) Spring Festival Gala, the breathtaking beauty of Xinjiang once again enchanted audiences across China. The vibrant spectacle, characterized by diverse ethnic styles of singing and dancing, offered a vivid portrayal of Xinjiang’s flourishing prosperity.
Nestled beside the ancient city, the Kashi sub-venue featured twelve enchanting structures with intricately designed roofs, bathed in radiant lights, creating a spellbinding stage reminiscent of a fantasy realm. Among the stellar performers were renowned figures such as China’s Uygur actress Dilraba, singer Wang Hongwei, Yu Menglong, and Uygur singer Air.
Kashi, steeped in a thousand years of history, boasts a rich tapestry of ethnic cultures and profound heritage, making it one of Xinjiang’s premier tourist destinations. “Selecting Kashi as a sub-venue was a deliberate choice to showcase Xinjiang’s rich cultural and tourism assets,” remarked Li Meilan, director of the four sub-venues of Chunwan, according to a report by people.cn.
Qin Zheng, chief director of the Kashi sub-venue, elaborated on the unique staging approach: “We utilized the rooftops of twelve ancient city residences as mini stages, where dancers from various ethnic backgrounds performed with grace, depicting vivid scenes from everyday life.”
Expressing her delight, Dilraba shared, “I feel honored to be part of the Kashi sub-venue show, returning to my roots! Through my performance ‘Dance and Music of Xinjiang,’ I aim to offer a glimpse into the ethnic singing and dancing traditions of Xinjiang, inviting the audience to experience a different New Year celebration. Xinjiang welcomes everyone with its unique charm!”
This marks the first time that a sub-venue of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala has been established in southern Xinjiang, a move signaling the government’s confidence in the region’s security situation. Li Wei, a research fellow at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, highlighted the significance: “By establishing a sub-venue in southern Xinjiang, China showcases its achievements in combating terrorism and maintaining regional security.”
Acknowledging the past challenges, Li emphasized the remarkable progress: “Effective measures and comprehensive management have significantly improved the security environment in southern Xinjiang, with no terrorist activities reported in recent years.” He added, “The gala offers a genuine portrayal of southern Xinjiang to the world, providing insight for those seeking the truth.”
The Kashi sub-venue garnered widespread praise on social media platforms, with millions expressing admiration and best wishes for Xinjiang’s continued prosperity and recognition of its beauty. One Weibo user encapsulated the sentiment, stating, “Today’s Xinjiang epitomizes the dreams of its people – advanced, harmonious, and prosperous. It is a paradise admired by many.”
Echoing the sentiment, Liu Xiaofeng, secretary-general of the Kashi Tourist Guides Association, expressed hopes for Kashi’s rapid development and enhanced beauty post-gala.
In addition to the captivating performances, the extensive use of cutting-edge technology at the Kashi sub-venue left a lasting impression. With over 1,500 types of stage lighting fixtures and more than 20,000 sets illuminating the ancient city landscape, it marked the largest performance in Xinjiang. The innovative rehearsal system, tailored for the unique conditions of Kashi, ensured seamless execution and heightened the visual spectacle.
The fusion of culture, technology, and creativity at the Kashi sub-venue epitomized Xinjiang’s boundless charm, leaving audiences spellbound and longing for more glimpses of its magnificence.
