The annual National Mid-Autumn Festival gala is held near Suzhou’s Taihu Lake on September 8, 2014. (Photo/Suzhou Daily)

The National Mid-Autumn Festival gala broadcast live by China Central Television (CCTV) took place in the Public Square at Taihu International Convention Center in Suzhou on September 8.

"Suzhou is a modern city with a rich historical past, so it is a wonderful place for us to extend Moon Festival wishes to all the Chinese people worldwide," said the gala’s director Zhou Xiaolan in an interview.

The director added that the CCTV crew visited nearly all the attractions and gardens in Suzhou before deciding to have the gala near Taihu Lake. “Here we have access to a large stage and a beautiful walkway.”

The gala continued for about 120 minutes and was comprised of four chapters: “Dialogue with the Moon”, “Hometown” and “Chinese Dream”, and “the Bright Moon”. Some of Suzhou’s cultural symbols were presented at the gala, such as the Canglang Pavilion, the Maple Bridge, Tiger Hill, Kunqu opera and Pingtan performances, Suzhou lanterns and double-sided embroidery.

Many famous artists performed at the gala, including Terry Lin from Taiwan, Malaysian singer Gary Tsao with his wife, his daughter Grace and his son Joe, Kunqu opera performer Wang Fang, Pingtan performer Sheng Xiaoyun and vocal groups “TFBoys” and “Chopsticks Brothers”.