On the first day of the Year of the Snake, Chinese cinemas were abuzz as moviegoers flocked to theaters, propelling the Spring Festival holiday box office to unprecedented heights.
As of 4:23 p.m. on Wednesday, China's box office revenue during the Spring Festival holiday, including pre-sold tickets, had exceeded 2 billion yuan (over $276 million), according to box office tracker Dengta Data.
Six highly anticipated films were slated for release during the holiday season: \"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.\"
The first four of these films each surpassed 200 million yuan in pre-sale ticket sales, marking the most successful pre-sale period in China's cinematic history.
Offering a rich tapestry of genres and themes, these six films catered to a wide array of audience preferences. From mythology and epic tales to action-packed adventures and science fiction, there was something for everyone. This diverse lineup contrasts with last year's Spring Festival releases, which were predominantly comedies and dramas.
Moviegoers across the country expressed excitement over the varied selection. \"It's refreshing to see such a mix of films during the holidays,\" said Li Mei, a student in Beijing. \"I can't wait to watch both the new martial arts epic and the sci-fi adventure with my family.\"
The record-breaking box office numbers signal a robust rebound for China's film industry and reflect the public's enthusiasm for cinema. As the Year of the Snake unfolds, industry insiders are hopeful that this momentum will continue, bringing more exceptional stories to the big screen.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival holiday box office tops $276 million
cgtn.com