New Year gala grips nation's youth

The gala has many programs themed around traditional culture, according to organizers.

A folk dance troupe will put on a performance entitled Inheritance, which is based on stories from four classical Chinese masterpieces. Its ending will feature a traditional folk dance style called yingge, which is popular in South China's Guangdong province.

"For young people, the internet is not only a place to quickly gather information, but also a place to be impressed by traditional culture and arts," Shang said. "Even the older generations can learn how young people treat traditional culture today via the internet. And that's a real role the internet is playing – to connect people."

Tang Xiaoyan said that young Chinese radiate self-confidence and positive energy in the way they express themselves, adding that "the most impressive thing for young people happens to be themselves".

Pop singer Jackson Wang will tell how he determined to pursue his dream while overcoming difficulties and loneliness at the show. Instead of wearing fancy clothes and putting up intricate stage decorations, Wang will sing his latest song while recounting mundane scenes such as striving for his career in a foreign country and feeling the warmth from strangers.

"With the song, I would like to show who I am and what I really want, and to comfort people who work away from home and feel lonely like me," said Wang.

Wang also called upon young people to be brave and know what they are passionate about. "Just go wild and believe in yourself!"

Many young people may be inspired by a choir of elderly singers with their jovial performances.

The choir, made up of alumni of China's prestigious Tsinghua University with an average age of 75, has become popular online, with its performance on last year's Online Chunwan being warmly received.

Clad in dress shirts and bow-ties while swaying to the music, their unique interpretation of the popular song Adolescents attracted billions of views.

They are expected to surprise the audience again in this year's show. An upgraded version of Adolescents will also be accompanied by the Shanghai City Symphony Orchestra.

Mi Weimin, the choir's conductor, said the choir gave him a chance to demonstrate his passion for music and life.

"Though it takes me four hours or more each time to coordinate members and rehearse the song, I can feel a sense of achievement, and that's what keeps me going," Mi said. "I would like to challenge myself and continue to study and develop together with my hometown."

However, the elderly expressed concerns on their performances this time as the previous one has achieved unexpected success.

"I'm not sure if the audience will like this show. What we can do is to try our best and be open for feedback from them," said Mi, adding that he is happy the elderly are being offered a stage to contribute to society in their own way.