China celebrated a new milestone in its film industry as the daily box office revenue soared to an unprecedented 1.805 billion yuan ($249 million) on Wednesday, marking the start of the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year. This impressive figure surpassed the previous records set during the 2021 Chinese New Year, according to the China Film Administration (CFA).
On that remarkable day, the number of moviegoers reached an astounding 35.15 million, showcasing the nation's eagerness to return to cinemas and enjoy domestic films. The Spring Festival holiday, running from January 28 to February 4 this year—one day longer than in previous years—is traditionally one of China's most lucrative periods for movie releases.
Leading the surge were six newly released domestic films that captivated audiences across the country. Diverse in genre, these films ranged from Chinese mythology and wuxia—which highlights martial arts and chivalry—to comedy, fantasy, animation, and drama. This variety catered to the tastes of a broad spectrum of viewers, ensuring that there was something for everyone during the festive season.
Industry analysts from Huajin Securities observed that many of these films are installments in well-established franchises, boasting strong reputations and large fan bases. This not only contributed to the high box office earnings but also reinforced the strength and appeal of China's film industry.
In a move to further stimulate the industry, the CFA has encouraged relevant institutions to allocate approximately 600 million yuan in moviegoing consumption subsidies since December of last year. Analysts believe this initiative aims to unlock the full consumption potential of moviegoers and continue the momentum in the film market.
Looking ahead, Kaiyuan Securities predicts a 6.7 percent year-on-year increase in total box office takings, reaching 8.54 billion yuan during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday. This optimistic forecast reflects confidence in the enduring appeal of domestic films and the growing enthusiasm of Chinese audiences.
Reference(s):
China sees new daily box office revenue record during Spring Festival
cgtn.com
