Full coverage: International Children's Day

Final preparations are underway for China Central Television’s annual gala in celebration of International Children’s Day, June 1.

Themed "Happy Growth," the gala comprises four chapters: Being Good, Being Determined, Being Creative, and Being Happy.

Themed “Happy Growth,” the gala comprises four chapters: Being Good, Being Determined, Being Creative, and Being Happy. But overall, the aim is to create a joyous atmosphere.

“Six stories run through the gala. For example, a story named ‘Whose Wallet is This?’ tells about a child waiting for the owner of the wallet in heavy snow. With such stories, we are trying to convey a great truth,” said Zhai Hongyu, CCTV Children’s Day Gala.

Stage design is one highlight of this year’s event, with the inclusion of VR technology for the first time.

“We intend to present a magical world, like in fairytales, on the stage. Virtual-reality technology is used to achieve that. The combination of the technology and the little ones’ performances works very well, and I believe the viewers who watch the gala in front of their TVs can feel as though they are actually at the gala,” said Zhang Hongzhong, CCTV Children’s Gala.

The show also includes plays, magic shows, songs, and a host of cartoon characters.