(Yicai Global) Jan. 26 -- A total of 1.23 billion viewers from China and overseas watched the 2020 Spring Festival gala show staged and televised by the China Media Group (CMG) on the evening of January 24, the CMG said today.

The number was about 59 million more than that of last year, it added.

In addition to being broadcast live on TV on the eve of the Chinese New Year, the event lasting four and half hours was also screened live online via various platforms and mobile apps.

Nearly 600 media outlets from over 170 countries and regions livestreamed the gala.