The program Red Opera, for example, utilized AI and virtual reality technologies to "awaken" artifacts from the Liaoning Provincial Museum, including the Song Dynasty (960-1279) painting Auspicious Cranes by Zhao Ji, Ten Scenic Views of West Lake by Wang Yuanqi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), a Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) blue-and-white octagonal jar adorned with pine, bamboo and plum designs, and the Tang Dynasty (618-907) painting Lady with Flower Hairpin.

The program Unbeaten Drums incorporated elements from the Dunhuang Grottoes' artwork, recreating the music and dance splendor of a millennium ago.

Returning home and family reunions carried particular importance at this year's gala. Li Weibo, a 93-year-old veteran from Shenyang, Liaoning province, shared his heartfelt story with viewers about his experiences with his fellow soldiers during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53).

This year's gala also featured several internationally renowned musicians collaborating with Chinese performers to create a harmonious celebration of cultural exchange. Marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, French pianist Richard Clayderman joined Chinese pop singer Zhou Shen for a rendition of the music piece adapted from the Chinese violin concerto Butterfly Lovers, inviting audiences from both the East and West into the enchanting classic Chinese love story.