China Media Group's 2026 Spring Festival Gala promo was screened on Saturday at a Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Iceland, bringing together guests to watch the promotional video and an artistic performance staged by a professional art troupe from China to mark the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Attending the reception were Permanent Secretary Benedikt Arnason of the Office of the Prime Minister of Iceland, Chairman Pawel Bartoszek of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Icelandic Parliament, representatives of the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue Landsbjorg, Chinese Ambassador to Iceland He Rulong and his wife, and more than 1,000 other guests from all walks of life in Iceland, including diplomatic communities, overseas Chinese and Chinese students in Iceland.

Addressing the reception, He noted that the past year has seen numerous highlights in bilateral exchanges between China and Iceland, emphasizing that as 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Iceland, China is ready to work with the Icelandic side to implement the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries and to foster a community with a shared future for humanity.

The gala's promotional video captivated the audience with its exquisite stage visuals, diverse program formats, and high-tech artistic expression, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere.

Adding to the cultural feast, the China Coal Mine Art Troupe presented a special performance, which blended traditional Chinese culture with Western artistic elements. The proceeds from the performance's ticket sales were donated in full to Landsbjorg.

"While promotional videos for the gala are appearing all over China one after another, seeing them here in Northern Europe feels incredibly heartening and warm. It's also a great way to get a sense of how far our country has developed. At the same time, I think this is an important channel for people from all over the world to see China's cultural programs and our progress through artistic performances," said Jin Dong, head of the China Coal Mine Art Troupe.

The event also drew high praise from local attendees who were moved by the cultural exchange.

"The performance was wonderful. Watching it gave me the same feeling I had when I was in China. I feel very happy. I find Chinese history and culture very interesting. I really enjoyed the performance today. Everyone is perfect," said Anna, an Icelandic audience member.

Jokull Gislason, chairman of the Icelandic Chinese Cultural Society, praised the show as outstanding.

"It was superb. It is the best art group that has ever come to Iceland -- the softness of the movement, how they control their movements. It was fabulous. It has always been progressing and we are now looking probably at a milestone if there will be direct flights between China and Iceland. This will bring the country so much closer together, so much closer," he said.

The Spring Festival -- the grandest holiday in China -- is in the start of the Chinese New Year. The 2026 Chinese New Year begins on February 17 this year.