China's film industry celebrated a historic National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday in 2025, with box office earnings surpassing 1.8 billion yuan ($253 million) as audiences flocked to theaters. The holiday slate showcased a mix of blockbuster spectacles and niche storytelling, reflecting the growing sophistication of the Chinese mainland's entertainment market.
Diverse Films Drive Record Revenue
Three films dominated the charts: the war epic The Volunteers: Blood and Peace, historical drama 731, and fantasy sequel A Writer's Odyssey 2. The lineup catered to varied tastes, combining patriotic themes with family-friendly humor and cutting-edge visual effects. Industry analysts note this balanced approach helped attract over 40 million moviegoers during the eight-day holiday period.
From Silver Screen to Tourist Destinations
The box office success translated into real-world economic benefits, with filming locations experiencing tourism surges. Chongqing's Yuzhong District, featured prominently in A Writer's Odyssey 2, welcomed 5.65 million visitors who spent 5.3 billion yuan in just three days. Jiangxi's Hengfeng Film and Television Base, where The Volunteers was partially shot, saw visitor numbers jump 50% year-over-year.
Local governments amplified this 'cinematic tourism' trend through innovative promotions. Moviegoers could exchange used tickets for discounts at participating hotels and attractions, creating a seamless link between entertainment spending and broader consumption.
