The annual CCTV variety show on the Chinese New Year's Eve will be broadcast in four languages and feature many celebrities including Liu Xiang, who won the gold medal for men's 110 meters hurdles at the Athens Olympics.

These remarks were made last Saturday by Lang Kun, the chief director of the show, on the CCTV's official Web site, where some details of the gala were disclosed.

Live broadcast in 4 languages

The show, for the first time, will be aired through CCTV's Channel One, Channel Four, Channel Nine and Channel 16 in Chinese, English, Spanish and French.

Channel One and Channel Four will mainly use Chinese to broadcast the show, according to Xi Hong, one of the designers of the show.

Language experts in English, Spanish and French will be employed to help with translation and overseas publishing of the show.

While Chinese language will be transmitted in sound signals, the three other languages will be sent as subtitles.

Jackie Chan to perform with son

Celebrities expected to show up for the gala include kung fu star Jackie Chan and his son Jaycee. Since they have different performance styles, the directors have decided they will perform separately.

Jolin Cai from Taiwan and Andy Lau from Hong Kong will each sing a song at the show.

Liu Xiang sure to show up

Liu Xiang has been the center of attention since he won the gold medal at the Athens Olympics. Although Liu dismissed as a rumor that he would perform in the show, Xi has confirmed that Liu will be a part of it.

Southern participation in comedies

Short comedies play an important part in the annual program. Previously, they mostly came from the northern part of China featuring northern dialects. But this year, there will be some from the southern part of the country such as Zhejiang Province and Shanghai.

(Shenzhen Daily January 25, 2005)