Four of China's major websites -- Dahew.com, Henan Province's largest website, China.org.cn, Sina.com.cn and 99114.com -- held a joint press conference on September 26 to announce a special Internet Spring Festival Gala scheduled for January 26, 2006.

The four websites are joining forces for the "Global Chinese Internet Spring Festival Gala 2006" scheduled to kick off next New Year's Eve.

Officials promised this gala will bring forth new ideas on performance style, showcasing achievements of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and will give Chinese all over the world a chance to exchange festive greetings.

Li Xianlin, the chief editor of Dahew.com, said that the gala comprises eight parts. The first, called "Spring Fairy Tale," will reflect children's longing for Spring season and beautiful dreams through flash animation, cartoons and campfire songs.

The second part, "Singing Internet Hits Together," will play Internet hit songs and original songs collected by the gala's organizers.

The third is entitled "Chinese Abroad Missing the Motherland" and will showcase folk customs from around the world.

The fourth will feature comedy skits and dialogues and acrobatics, while the fifth will present traditional Chinese drama and opera.

The sixth part of the program will feature local folk art from the mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, in celebration of national unity.

The seventh involves an SMS Greetings and Couplets Contest.

For the grand finale, New Year's Eve songs will be sung out loud to represent Chinese people's love for peace and beautiful feelings.

Addressing the press conference, Executive Vice President of China.org.cn Li Jiaming stressed the significance of this gala event. He said this is the first time that China's Internet companies have joined hands to hold this grand culture event for the Chinese people, and it marks a courageous attempt to combine live performances, festival celebrations and the Internet.

Chen Tong, vice president of Sina.com, added that a lot of effort has gone into the organization of this event. Sina.com will provide the technology -- broadband, wireless networks, among others -- that will ensure an unprecedented and unique Spring Festival Gala experience. He also said that the Internet is an ideal medium for people to participate in the show and interact with one another.

With the rapid development of multimedia technology and the Internet, the Internet has gradually become more of a part of people's lives. According to China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) statistics, China currently has more than 100 million Internet users.

(China.org.cn by Zhang Rui, September 28, 2005)