CCTV's Spring Festival Gala went through its third dress rehearsal on Tuesday afternoon. Now, in its 28th year, this year's Gala follows the tradition of highlighting cross talks and short sketches.

 

It is the busiest time for Zhao Benshan, the most popular comedian in China. Every year, Zhao is under great pressure from millions of audience members who will watch CCTV's Spring Festival gala, which airs on lunar new year' eve. For the coming year of rabbit, Zhao has made environmental protection the theme of his performance.

As the name suggests, "A Universal Convention" will call in members of the galaxy to discuss the future of the earth. Zhao's rehearsal with his students usually runs late, around 3 o'clock in the morning.

Zhao Benshan always figures to be a highlight of CCTV's Spring Festival Gala, every year, though the directing teams change. This year, CCTV's famous host Ma Dong takes charge of cross talks and short sketches.

Ma Dong, Director of CCTV Spring Festival Gala, said, "Most of the cross talks and short sketches programs have been settled on, though it's still not the final version. There might be some adjustment. Moreover, we haven't seen all programs that will be staged only at the last rounds of rehearsals. For instance, Zhao Benshan's short sketch is under intensive dry runs."

Big-name entertainers of China are converging at CCTV. Standing out of the galaxy of stars are the children. A highly-anticipated program "Love Me, Hug Me" will be presented by five kids, three girls singing and two boys performing street dance. Though at a young age, Miaoke and Doudou are already veterans on the stage of CCTV's Spring Festival Gala. It's the second time for them to join the big party... a celebration for China's lunar new year.