For the first time, China Central Television (CCTV) is to broadcast live its New Year's Eve gala in four languages, Chinese, English, French and Spanish, on Dec. 31, 2008.

Guo Jihong, chief director of the gala, said at a news conference Thursday that this year's gala would include three chapters, namely, "Spring breeze", "Spring tide" and "Spring hope", to highlight the changes that have taken place in the country since the reform and opening-up in 1978.

The gala would present songs and dances that feature characteristics of China in different periods of the 30-year time span, said Guo.

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2008)