By Huang Yuechen and Ding Shuorui
Aired on March 3rd, 2026, the CCTV Lantern Festival Gala featured five students from the School of International Studies (SIS) at the Communication University of China (CUC), who joined the university choir in performing the heartwarming song "We Are Fine" alongside renowned singers and actors. Their performance, radiating youthful energy, captured the essence of campus life, friendship, and shared dreams.
Five students from SIS at CUC pose for a group photo at the CMG rehearsal hall.
The five students were Chen Tianyi / 2022 Broadcasting and Anchoring (bilingual in Chinese and Korean), Liu Yitang / 2023 Broadcasting and Anchoring (bilingual in Chinese and Spanish), Ni Haochen / 2023 Broadcasting and Anchoring (bilingual in Chinese and Korean), Liu Yukuan and Wu Yuqing / 2024 Broadcasting and Anchoring (bilingual in Chinese and Spanish).
After the performance, the students shared their reflections on the experience.
Liu Yitang (left) and Ni Haochen (right) in the broadcast footage.
"As the lights lit up one by one and the stage gradually unfolded before me, I could truly sense the weight behind the name ‘China Media Group' in that solemn yet warm atmosphere," said Ni Haochen. Wu Yuqing described here moments on the stage as "a brilliant yet fleeting dream"—a warmth that stayed with her long after returning to campus.
Wu Yuqing (in blue shirt) in the broadcast footage.
Throughout the performance, the students blended professional artists with their young faces. The song's lyric—"Even if we may seldom chat, I will always support you"—became a tender vow of youth, painting a picture of innocent campus friendship and a generation singing to each other and to their times.
Chen Tianyi (left) in the broadcast footage.
The performance also showcased CUC's commitment to bridging classroom learning with real-world performance.Chen Tianyi, a senior with three years in the school choir, reflected on the journey from campus auditoriums to the national stage. "Time was tight and the task demanding, but through repeated rehearsals and adjustments, we gradually found the right way to interpret this heartfelt piece," she said. "This song mirrors our campus life. I'm honored to be part of it—because we stand together, tomorrow will be even better."
Liu Yukuan (in yellow shirt) in the broadcast footage.
"Professors helped me refine every note and emotion to match the song's warm tone, while my classmates accompanied me through countless rehearsals. Thisopportunity—from campus to CCTV—is a precious experience bestowed by my school, and I will carry this warmth forward with dedication." said Liu Yukuan, a sophomore, expressing his deep gratitude for the meticulous guidance he received.
Beyond the performance itself, the experience offered profound lessons in the global storytelling. Liu Yukuan shared a reflection that struck him during the production, "I witnessed firsthand how the Gala integrated the folk warmth with technological innovation to convey Chinese New Year traditions to a global audience. The directors' attention of detail and their precise pursuit of the international communication made me realize we need to unveil China's strength in a way the world can truly understand."
Liu Yitang added that working alongside professionals taught her that "nothing is trivial on stage." From the stage direction to costume details, every element mattered. "This recording is a valuable milestone on my media journey. Moving forward, I will continue to deepen my expertise and strive to become a media professional with ideals, skills, and a sense ofresponsibility—letting the world see the face of the Chinese youth."
Five students from SIS at CUC pose with the program director.
The students' success on such a prominent stage shows the SIS's dedication to cultivating well-rounded international communication talents. From selection to rehearsal, the school's leadership, faculty members, and counselors closely supported the students throughout the process. The students have integrated their bilingual expertise with the artistic expression and earned recognition from the Gala's production team.
A scene from the performance.
Looking ahead, the School of International Studies will continue to provide students with broader platforms for further growth, encouraging them to shine on even larger stages. As the students have already displayed, they will keep telling China's story to the international community with warmth and authenticity.
Editor: Li Shuxuan, Fang Yiran
Managing Editor: Ding Shuorui
Editor-in-chief: Yu Ran, Yang Zhongtian
