On the night of May 31, China National Theatre for Children and China Media Group held the Children's Day Carnival online for the first time. Through the exploration of a new mode of integrated development of “performance plus live telecast”, more people can experience the Chinese drama.

Over 300,000 people around the world watched the live show that night through several platforms, including People’s Daily App and TikTok. Cultural centers in Singapore, Malta, Berlin, China and Stockholm also provided live telecasts. The event attracted more than one million cumulative visitors.

Art for all

CNTC holds performances and celebrations every Children’s Day to provide entertainment for a happy and meaningful festival. This year, it launched an online carnival across time and space, to show the beauty of drama from multiple perspectives and let all people staying at home enjoy art.

This carnival brought together drama clips from all over the world, such as Treasure Ship from Beijing, A Pink Cloud on the Mountain from Shanghai and Prince Nezha's Triumph Against Dragon King from the East China Sea. The audience can not only appreciate classic plays, but also experience traditional Chinese culture.

Traveling around China online

Many celebrities, actors, medical workers and police officers attended the activity. They shared their thoughts about growth and expressed their best wishes for children.

As culture and tourism are integrated more and more thoroughly, scenic spots and local food became the main attractions. While showing drama clips, actors from all over China introduced special local products through the internet. Audiences took an online tour in different regions, thanks to the event.

Expressing love and hope

Helping every child in China to watch theater is not only the pursuit of CNTC, but also the wish of every worker in the art form.

As the resumption of work began, seven troupes including CNTC prepared 7,000 charity tickets for children of medical workers in Beijing Union Hospital, Wuhan First Hospital and nine other hospitals across the country, as well as children at welfare homes in Hangzhou and Beijing. At the same time, various troupes will also provide cultural and creative products, such as speakers, T-shirts, puzzles and dolls, through online interaction.

June 1 marked the 64th anniversary of the founding of CNTC. The carnival was not only a special present for children, but also a brand new exploration of theater.

Yin Xiaodong, director of CNTC, said: “This is the first time CNTC celebrates Children’s Day with people online. We hope by making an online live show and breaking geographical limits, children can enjoy the performances and feel the magic of drama. I wish every kid a happy and meaningful Children’s Day!”