Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Spring Festival Gala, a cultural event cherished by the Chinese public for over 40 years, has entered the final preparation stage with its third full-dress rehearsal completed, generating excitement for the upcoming New Year celebrations [1]. Group 1: Event Preparation - The gala is directed by Yu Lei, marking her fourth consecutive year in this role, as confirmed by sources [1]. - The event has begun preparations since last year, with Yu Lei leading her team to discover and refine outstanding performances [7]. Group 2: Director's Background - Yu Lei has over 20 years of experience at CCTV, having created and produced several well-known programs, including the award-winning "National Treasure: Season One" [5]. - She has been involved with the Spring Festival Gala since 2011, serving as a chief writer for multiple editions before becoming the chief director in 2023 [5]. Group 3: Audience Engagement - Yu Lei acknowledges the challenge of creating a program that appeals to all viewers, emphasizing the goal of providing joy and hope to diverse audiences within the four-and-a-half-hour show [7]. Group 4: Host Lineup - The host lineup for the 2026 gala includes Ren Luyu, Sa Beining, Nigmat, Long Yang, Ma Fanshu, and Liu Xinyue for the main venue in Beijing, with additional hosts for four regional venues [7].