BEIJING - Chinese and foreign residents a little tired of watching nearly the identical Spring Festival Gala on CCTV they have watched every year now have a lot more options this year.

There are dozens of galas by local television networks throughout China, 51 Chinese New Year shows in all.

Among the television events, the Spring Festival Global Gala by Beijing Television Station (BTV) stands out because of its star-studded international cast and its push to show a mix of Eastern and Western cultures. The BTV gala was aired 7:30 pm on Jan 24. Stations in Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States had broadcast the show at a later time. A day before, on Jan 23, Dragon TV in Shanghai presented a gala similar in star power. A-list actress Zhou Xun and basketball legend Yao Ming were among many celebrities in attendance.