China's 2025 National Day holiday box office surged to 1.835 billion yuan ($258 million), drawing 50.07 million moviegoers across the country, according to data from the China Film Administration. The figures highlight a resilient film market amid shifting consumer trends and a growing preference for homegrown productions.
Over 3.1 million screenings were held during the holiday period, marking a 12.82% year-on-year increase. Notably, the average ticket price dropped to 36.64 yuan ($5.15), down 9.28% from 2024, reflecting efforts to boost accessibility and attract broader audiences.
Domestic films claimed 98.93% of total revenue, underscoring their dominance in a market increasingly shaped by local storytelling. Top performers included historical epic The Volunteers: Blood and Peace, thriller Evil Unbound, and fantasy sequel A Writer's Odyssey 2. Sports drama Row to Win and music-themed Sound of Silence rounded out the top five.
Analysts attribute the strong turnout to a mix of high-quality productions, strategic screening schedules, and post-pandemic pent-up demand for cultural experiences. The data signals opportunities for investors eyeing China's entertainment sector, now the world's second-largest film market.
