(XINHUA)

Feng Xiaogang, a well-known Chinese director, was invited by China Central Television (CCTV) to direct its Spring Festival Gala 2014 on July 12.

The event, launched in 1983, is an annual variety show aired on the eve of the Spring Festival. Watching the show on TV has become a key part of the Lunar New Year celebrations for many. The gala has been directed by CCTV staff for 30 years and Feng was surprised by the invitation.

The director, 55, has worked on the Chinese smash hits If You are the One and Back to 1942. Also invited to plan the show includes veteran comedian Zhao Benshan, actor/director Zhang Guoli and TV drama director Zhao Baogang .