CCTV to host Mid-Autumn gala in Li Bai's hometown

CCTV's Mid Autumn gala in Jiangyou, hometown of noted poet Li Bai. [CNTV]

The countdown is on to China's Mid Autumn Festival in just over 2 weeks. This year, CCTV will mark the day with its annual gala in Jiangyou, the hometown of the renowned Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet, Li Bai.

He lived in the Eighth Century A.D. and wrote such immortal verses as "Drinking Alone Under the Moon". The organizing committee also announced the poet's works will feature heavily in the gala, along with song and dance performances.

The event will begin at 8pm on September 27th and be broadcast live on various CCTV channels. The Mid Autumn Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, is one of the most important festivals in China.