Source: CCTV.com

02-05-2008 14:17

Special Report:   2008 Spring Festival

An update now, as we continue the countdown to CCTV's Spring Festival gala. The newly-added program concerning China's snowfall disaster became a highlight at the spectacle's fifth costume rehearsal, Saturday. The storms that swept southern, central and eastern China for two weeks brought death, building collapses, power blackouts, highway closures and crop devast ation.

As we continue the countdown to CCTV's Spring Festival gala. The newly-added program concerning China's snowfall disaster became a highlight at the spectacle's fifth costume rehearsal, Saturday.

A poetry recital "Warmth 2008" presented by nearly 20 hosts from CCTV offer solace to those who are stranded. Video scenes showing front line workers battling the affects of the storm played on the big screen at the back of the stage.

"Sisters & Brothers" sung by veterans Wei Wei and Sun Nan, tug at the heartstrings of the audience and the performers themselves.

Lu Jian, CCTV Host, said, "Though people in southern China may not be able to watch TV due to the power blackout, I hope they will hear our words by some other means. It is our hope that the words can warm their hearts."

There is also a program segment based on the Olympics theme. Another pays respect to migrant workers, who help to shape the landscape and to create modern metropolises like Beijing.