On the first day of the Year of the Snake, China's movie theaters experienced an unprecedented surge as millions of people celebrated the Spring Festival by watching films. By 4:23 p.m. on Wednesday, the box office revenue had exceeded 2 billion yuan (over $276 million), setting a new record, according to data from box office tracker Dengta Data.
Six highly anticipated films were released during the holiday, providing a diverse array of genres to cater to various audience preferences. The lineup includes The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero, Ne Zha 2, Detective Chinatown 1900, Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force, Operation Hadal, and Boonie Bears: Future Reborn. Notably, the first four films each surpassed 200 million yuan in pre-sale ticket sales, marking the most successful pre-sale period in history.
This year's Spring Festival selection stands out for its variety, contrasting with last year's lineup, which was dominated by comedies and dramas. The new releases span mythology, epic tales, war stories, action-packed adventures, martial arts, animation, comedy, and science fiction. This rich diversity ensures there is something for everyone, igniting excitement among moviegoers nationwide.
Industry analysts attribute the record-breaking box office to the combination of high-quality productions and the festive enthusiasm of the public. The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is traditionally a peak period for cinema attendance, as families and friends gather to enjoy leisure activities together.
As China's film industry continues to flourish, the remarkable box office performance during the Spring Festival holiday reflects both the growing popularity of domestic films and the vibrant cultural landscape of the Chinese mainland. Movie enthusiasts can look forward to even more engaging stories as the Year of the Snake unfolds.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival holiday box office tops $276 million
cgtn.com
