As the Year of the Horse galloped in, the China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG) harnessed its extensive resources and industry leadership to bring the spirit of the season to audiences across China. From Beijing to Zhuhai, Macao to cities nationwide, the group curated a dynamic lineup of exhibitions, performances, and cultural exchanges — delivering festive greetings through the universal language of art.

Two Exhibitions, One Spirit: Celebrating the Horse in Art

The Year of the Horse began with a pair of specially curated exhibitions — one in the north, the other in the south; one steeped in Chinese tradition, the other bridging East and West. Together, they explored the enduring symbolism of the horse in Chinese culture.

On February 9, an exhibition of Chinese paintings for the Year of the Horse opened at the Three Hills and Five Gardens in Beijing's Haidian district. The centerpiece of 21 original works was created by none other than the master Xu Beihong, whose spirited horses — bold in brushwork and vivid in expression — perfectly embody the resilience and vitality of the Chinese nation.

On February 14, "Galloping Jinwan Auspicious Motion — A Horse-Themed Chinese New Year Exhibition" launched at the Zhuhai Jinwan Art Center. Featuring over 50 paintings by young artist Mi Qiaoming — trained in Russia, inspired by China — the exhibition blends Western realist techniques with Eastern expressive spirit. The result: horses that seem to leap off the canvas, alive with energy and grace. This showcase runs through March 31, offering audiences in the Greater Bay Area a vibrant start to the new year.

Macao: A Stage for Cultural Connection

Spring Festival in Macao sparkled with performances as the CAEG's CPAA Theatres brought top-tier national arts troupes to the city for its inaugural "Chinese Culture Performances Season".

From January 29 to February 1, the Beijing People's Art Theatre presented its immersive drama Farewell My Concubine at the Macao Cultural Centre, presenting four performances to full houses. Beyond the stage, the company engaged local audiences through media meet-and-greets, a visit to Macau University of Science and Technology, cross-strait youth actor dialogues, and post-show discussions — building bridges between theater communities on both sides.

On February 21 and 22, the China Coal Mine Art Troupe presented "Joyful and Warm Performing Arts in the New Year", a celebration of traditional Chinese folk arts, in four community squares— Mount Fortress Garden, Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, the square in front of Pak Tai Temple, and Iao Hon Market Park. Audiences were treated to cross-talk, clapper talk, shuanghuang (double-act comedy), diabolo juggling, Sichuan opera face-changing, and ancient conjuring. The energy was electric, the laughter contagious. By bringing national-level artistry directly into communities, the performances wove intangible cultural heritage into the fabric of everyday life—and added an extra layer of joy to the holiday.

A Tapestry of Theater, Music, and Innovation

Across the CAEG's extensive theater network, the holiday season offered something for everyone— from the grand stage to the intimate neighborhood venue, from live performances to virtual experiences.

CPAA Theatre venues presented over 100 events, spanning stage plays, concerts, intangible cultural heritage showcases, and art exhibitions.

Quanzhou Grand Theatre co-hosted an exhibition of modern and contemporary Chinese painting masters, featuring authentic works by Xu Beihong and Qi Baishi.

Bay Opera of Shenzhen launches a "ticket economy" initiative.

Shunyi Grand Theater offered 10 performances over 5 days, including an opera and Lantern Festival folk arts gala, bringing culture directly to local communities.

Pingtan staged Travel with Textbooks, followed by an elegant Lantern Festival concert of traditional Chinese music.

CDHT-CPAA Grand Theatre opened the year with acclaimed productions Street Wizards, alongside the Asian premiere tour of a BBC-licensed dance production.

Jinan Grand Theatre hosted a free intangible cultural heritage gathering, featuring Shandong's beloved Liuzi Opera and Lyu Opera styles, a treat for local opera enthusiasts.

Zhuhai Jinwan Art Center offered three immersive VR experiences, where technology and culture met in surprising new ways.

The year's most dazzling moment came on New Year's Eve, when the CAEG's cultural diplomacy efforts took center stage. The MÁNE and the Jesús Carmona Dance Company, both recommended by the CAEG, performed a dance piece on the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala. Their passionate, exuberant performance unlocked the warm code of "Spring in All Lands" for a global audience — a vivid testament to the beauty of cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

As spring returns and all things renew, the CAEG celebrates the Year of the Horse with art that inspires, connects, and endures.