Show must go on as Children's Day gala adapts to pandemic

While many of the country's pupils have returned to campus, albeit with face masks and obeying strict social distancing protocols, some cities, such as Beijing, have yet to see a general reopening of schools.

"The outbreak was an unprecedented experience and it was very hard, even for adults, let alone for children. During the most critical time, which lasted for almost three months, children were unable to play outside and couldn't meet their friends," says Xu.

Setting a goal to comfort and encourage the nation's next generation, the show has invited six celebrities who are considered as the icons of our era.

Among them are top epidemiologists Zhong Nanshan and Li Lanjuan, both household names since their heroic efforts in fighting COVID-19 on the front lines became known; agronomist Yuan Longping, a pioneer of hybrid rice; 95-year-old war hero Zhang Fuqing; sports legend Lang Ping, chief coach of China women's volleyball team; and Wang Yaping, the first Chinese female astronaut who gave science lessons during her space flight on the Shenzhou X manned mission in 2013.

Several of the six marquee guests will answer questions from curious children via remote video connection, which will be a highlighted section of the show, in order to help children build values and goals for their future, reveals director Xu.