Zhao Zhongxiang, famed television host, dies at 78

Zhao Zhongxiang, one of the most recognizable and popular TV anchors in China for more than four decades due to his trademark TV shows－including the annual Spring Festival Gala, Animal World and Human and Nature－died on Wednesday, his 78th birthday, at a hospital in Beijing.

Zhao's son, Zhao Fang, confirmed on Jan 16 via a post on Sina Weibo that Zhao Zhongxiang died at 7:30 am on Wednesday.

"At the end of 2019 my father was diagnosed with cancer, which had already spread," Zhao Fang wrote. "He remained positive and courageous. My mother accompanied him until he died."