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An insight into the massive annual celebration. Dave Myers and Si King experience New Year's Eve in Beijing, and Jing Lusi goes behind the scenes at CCTV's Chunwan Gala.

The Hairy Bikers Dave Myers and Si King take us to New Year's Eve in Beijing, following an extraordinary day in China's capital city. They experience life in the mega-city on this special day, from preparations at the bell tower, which can only ever ring on the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, to a Beijing family, the Zhangs, who are getting ready for the biggest family get-together of the year. The whole city comes to a halt as everyone gathers round dinner tables to tuck into the traditional reunion dinner.

Jing Lusi goes behind the scenes at what some call the world's most popular television show - CCTV's Chunwan Gala, watched by 800 million viewers. For the performers, this is a make-or-break opportunity. Kate Humble takes part in a huge flower auction in the warmer Yunnan province as bales of flowers - mostly lucky red roses - are sold to hit the shops in time for new year. Ant Anstead discovers how the spirit baijiu is made in 450-year-old pits and learns the subtle etiquette that surrounds its drinking.

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Katie Melua

    Nine Million Bicycles

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Kate Humble
Presenter Ant Anstead
Presenter Jing Lusi
Presenter Dave Myers
Presenter Si King
Executive Producer Bill Locke
Series Producer Sarah Sarkhel
Producer Daisy Newton-Dunn
Production Company Lion Television

Broadcasts