Reputed as China's top film gala, the annual China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival comprises the appraisal of the China Film Golden Rooster Awards and the Mass Film Hundred Flowers Awards. To meet the need of reform and opening-up and approved by the Propaganda Department of the CPC Central Committee, the country unified the separate awarding ceremonies of these two festivals into one national film festival, i.e. China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, in 1992. Besides the appraisal and awarding ceremony, the national grand event launches a series of cultural activities every year, including the appraisal of awards, the exhibition of Chinese and foreign new films, the academic seminars, the film trade fair, international cultural exchanges and entertainment performances. The festival is best known for its focus on academic fields, the extensive participation of the masses, and the unfixed host city. 

Approved by the central government, the China Film Golden Rooster Awards and the Mass Film Hundred Flowers Awards are two permanent national art awards, with a long history and a great influence in China film industry. The Hundred Flowers Awards were initiated in 1962. After the second awarding ceremony held in 1963, it had a break of 17 years until 1980. Then, it was held annually. The Hundred Flowers Awards consist of seven awards in five categories, namely Best Film, Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, of which Best Film has three awards. Sponsored by People's Film magazine, which has the greatest circulation in China, the Hundred Flowers Awards only represent views of moviegoers. Hence, the awards are also called mass awards. Every year, the People's Film magazine issues votes to its readers and the Hundred Flowers Awards are produced according to the number of votes that each film gets.

Set up in May 1981, the Golden Rooster Awards are named after and take the shape of the rooster, symbolizing the situation of one hundred schools of thoughts contending with each other, and also embracing the meaning of encouraging film workers to work hard and strive forward. Sponsored by China Film Association, the awards are China's highest professional film awards chosen by film artists and critics. Hence, the awards are also called professional awards. The Golden Rooster Awards consist of about 20 awards, including several technical awards such as Best Editing and Best Props. The awards also add a special award and an honorary award when needed.

Actually, these two awards are issued every year only except in 1990.

Up to 2000, China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival had been held eleven times successfully. With the longest history and greatest influence, the festival has become a favorite one among the masses, and it also gradually gains worldwide reputation.

(Official website: www.cnnb.com.cn/gb/node2/filmfest/synopsis)