The CCTV Spring Festival Gala has long been an integral part of Chinese new year celebrations. Expectations are mounting for the annual televised show, and preparations for the 2017 gala are in full swing. A major highlight this year is the "language category", which includes crosstalk and comedic sketches.

According to Yang Dongsheng, the chief director of the Spring Festival Evening Gala for 2017, 100 entries in the "language category" have been submitted and an estimated 12 programs will make it to the final gala.

The first rehearsal for the gala is set to begin in mid-January. Since 1983, CCTV's Spring Festival Gala has been a must-see show during the Spring Festival holidays. And it's among the most watched shows in the country.