In a remarkable achievement for the Chinese film industry, the box office revenue for the 2025 Chinese New Year has surpassed the 10-billion-yuan mark, equivalent to nearly $1.4 billion. This milestone not only highlights the booming entertainment sector in China but also places the country at the forefront of global box office rankings, overtaking North America.
As of 3:30 p.m. on Monday, the Spring Festival period box office had already reached a historic 8 billion yuan (over $1.1 billion), according to data from the National Film Administration. This surge is largely driven by the success of the animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2, which has outperformed last year's Spring Festival champion, Yolo. The film has shattered more than ten national box office records and is on track to become the highest-grossing film in China's cinema history.
Since the release of Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child in 2019, which earned around 5 billion yuan (approximately $690 million), the sequel has brought an even more compelling storyline and breathtaking visuals, sparking widespread discussion among audiences and critics alike.
The success of Ne Zha 2 also signifies a shift in the perception of Chinese studios. Previously viewed as Hollywood's \"back office\" for handling minor visual effects, Chinese production companies have increasingly taken the lead in creating original content. This transformation is fueled by the growth of China's computer-generated imagery (CGI) industry, which is now instrumental in telling stories deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
As China's film industry continues to expand, it not only attracts business professionals and investors looking for new opportunities but also engages a global audience eager to experience diverse and culturally rich narratives. The ongoing advancements in CGI and local storytelling are set to maintain China's influential role in the global entertainment landscape.
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2025 Chinese New Year box office soars to 10B yuan, tops global charts
cgtn.com
