Who is the true icon of Kunming? Not celebrities, not big names, but the most ordinary people right beside us. On March 1, this grand gala in Kunming is set to take over everyone’s screens—sanitation workers, delivery couriers, research professionals, lake guardians…More than 11,000 people registered, generating over 400 million views and impressions. Twenty-seven individuals or groups of everyday heroes will take center stage! At this morning’s press conference, the highlights were officially unveiled. Take a look.  

A Shift in the Spotlight: Everyday Strivers Take Center Stage  

“At this gala, sanitation workers, industrial workers, bus drivers, community grid officers, medical staff, as well as delivery couriers and ride-hailing drivers who work through wind and rain—those who usually dedicate themselves quietly—will each become the brightest stars on the Dian Spirit stage!” said Ma Qian, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Kunming Municipal Committee and Director of the Kunming Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism. He noted that the event breaks away from the traditional format of galas dominated by professional performers and abserveded by passive audiences. Instead, professional artistic teams will willingly serve as the supporting cast and ensemble performers.  

A special “Tribute Moment” segment forms the emotional core of the gala, highlighting pioneers and ordinary workers who have steadfastly dedicated themselves across all walks of life in the Spring City. Through touching stories and powerful snapshots in time, the city will pay tribute to every ordinary person who builds and safeguards Kunming, offering its sincere gratitude to those who strive and persevere.  

Four Thematic Chapters: A Panoramic Showcase of the Spirit of Dian  

Structured around the theme of “Spring,” the gala features four carefully crafted chapters: Spring of Innovation · City of Creativity; Spring of Beauty · City of Mountains, Waters and Flowers; Spring of Green · Lakeside Spring City; and Spring of Warmth · City of Kindness. All performances revolve around honoring “ordinary stars,” truly embodying the idea that the people perform, portray themselves, and are celebrated by the people.

The “Spring of Innovation · City of Creativity” chapter captures vivid scenes from urban construction, industrial development, and youth endeavor, using the stories of everyday strivers to paint a picture of Kunming’s dynamic, forward-looking growth.  

The “Spring of Beauty · City of Mountains, Waters and Flowers” chapter focuses on the inheritance and innovation of Dian culture, blending rich local traditions with modern artistic expression to showcase the city’s distinctive charm and elegance.  

The “Spring of Green · Lakeside Spring City” chapter draws on the lush vitality of spring to highlight Kunming’s ecological achievements, poetically recreating the picturesque scene described as “half city of mountains and waters, half city of spring-like scenery.”  

The “Spring of Warmth · City of Kindness” chapter centers on heartfelt moments of mutual support throughout the city, weaving professional dedication, social compassion, and urban inclusiveness into artistic expression, allowing the warmth of spring to flow from the stage into every audience member’s heart.  

The gala will conclude with the original theme song “I Am the Spirit of Dian,” sparking a collective dance finale in which performers and audience members join hands without distinction, conveying the message that everyone embodies the Spirit of Dian and that everyone can be extraordinary.  

Twenty-Seven Honorees: Countless Glimmers Form a Galaxy  

Wang Min, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Kunming Municipal Committee and Director of the Office of the CPC Kunming Municipal Commission for Guiding Cultural and Ethical Progress, introduced that from 1,650 recognized role models during the city’s 14th Five-Year Plan period and more than 11,000 applicants, 27 individuals or groups were ultimately selected as honorees. These 27 exemplary individuals or groups represent over ten key sectors, including industry, the digital economy, ecological protection, and grassroots governance. They include ordinary workers, research teams, foreign friends, and young entrepreneurs, spanning the main urban districts, suburban counties, and the Mohan-Moding Economic Cooperation Zone.  

In the City of Innovation, Dr. Cai Yanfei’s team, which developed a “Chinese chip” for roses, and Luozhou Technology, the creator of a breakout domestic indie game, showcase the bold and pioneering side of the Spirit of Dian.  

In the City of Mountains, Waters, and Flowers, the award-winning film crew of “Cuihu” and cultural content creator Xiao Qing, known online as “Why Kunming,” reveal the vibrant side of the Spirit of Dian.  

In the Lakeside Spring City, the team behind the opening-and-closing floating bridge on Dianchi Lake and Zhang Liyun, affectionately known as the “Seagull Guardian,” embody the steadfast and dedicated Spirit of Dian.  

In the City of Kindness, delivery courier Yang Jianhua, who tirelessly cares for his ill wife, and sanitation worker Gao Aiping, who remains devoted despite hardship, represent the warmth of the Spirit of Dian.  

Through their most ordinary perseverance, they form a powerful expression of the Spirit of Dian, giving tangible faces to the “warmth of Kunming” and the “speed of Kunming.”  

Citywide Participation: Three Major Online Topics Surpass 400 Million Views  

Since the launch of the campaign, 11,539 individual applications and 822 team applications have been received. Among them are over 7,000 grassroots contributors safeguarding peace within their communities; more than 1,800 cultural advocates preserving the city’s heritage in its streets and alleys; over 800 urban builders forging dreams in steel and concrete; more than 300 new residents putting down roots by Dianchi Lake; and over 2,100 participants from various industries—together forming countless vivid and heartfelt stories.  

On Douyin, the three major hashtags #ShowYourDianSpiritThisNewYear, #IAmDianSpirit, and #KunmingWithYouInTheSpringBreeze have surpassed 110 million total views. On Weibo, the hashtags #IAmDianSpirit and #OrdinaryGlimmersLightUpSpringCity, along with the online campaign “Collectors of the Spring City’s Festive Spirit,” have exceeded 295 million reads. Municipal-level online media outlets have released 1,893 related media pieces, with over 350 reposts by government-affiliated new media accounts.  

In addition, 646 “golden ideas” regarding urban development have been collected, covering civic initiatives and smart city concepts. These public insights will be carefully evaluated and transformed into practical blueprints for Kunming’s future development.  

Technology Empowerment: An Immersive Celebration for All  

The gala places digital and intelligent technologies at its core, enhancing the tribute segments, interactive experiences, and artistic performances. Technology injects new vitality into artistic expression, creating a stage aesthetic that is “simple yet sophisticated, grand yet warm.”  

Leveraging professional AI-powered imaging technology, the gala has produced distinctive transition videos and customized AI-generated visual preludes for several key performances. Through digital art, it builds a bridge between tradition and modernity, allowing both online and offline audiences to experience the synergy between technology and culture.  

It is reported that 10,000 audience members will gather at the venue. In addition to organized groups from various industries and districts, a portion of tickets will be made available online starting today, giving ordinary citizens the chance to attend and interact with role models up close. Outstanding participants selected from 262 individual applicants and 128 group applicants in the “Spring City Talent” auditions will also present electrifying local performances. With synchronized online and offline engagement across all platforms, let us tune in to the live broadcast, cheer for these everyday heroes, and join together in this celebration of honor in the Spring City.

Click here to view the Chinese report

(Editors: Rachel, Doe)