Traditionally Chinese people celebrate spring festival by watching famous actors and inspirational personalities on CCTV's Spring Festival Gala. This year, however, there has been an alternative production that was designed especially for kids.

The year of the Rabbit ushered in a new tradition, the Animation Spring Festival Gala. Yet, as preparations are underway to welcome the year of the Dragon, the organizers are hoping to repeat last year's success.

Co-produced by CCTV and the Shanghai Animation Film Studio, the inaugural Animation Spring Festival Gala in 2011 was a 60-minute program targeted at both children and their parents. The live audience as well as the TV viewers enjoyed the 3D cartoons and shadow plays. Characters such as the popular Sergeant Black Cat and Monkey King were instantly recognized by viewers born after the 1970s or 80s.

After the success of 2011, preparations for the 2012 Animation Spring Festival Gala are well underway. From classic to modern-day cartoon characters, all will appear to help families celebrate the new year.

By including performances by many famous voice actors, the program helped change people's mindset about animation being only for children.

Gong Hanlin, famous Chinese actor, said, "I voiced the turtle prime minister, who directs people and is very busy."

The program for 2012 is also being sponsored by CCTV in association with the China Animation Comic Game Group, and the China Entertainment Corporation. Audiences can anticipate another full hour of excellent original animation works.