As the vibrant festivities of the Spring Festival swept across China, the nation's movie theaters experienced an unprecedented surge in attendance, setting a new daily box office record. On Wednesday, the first day of the Lunar New Year, China's box office soared to an astounding 1.805 billion yuan ($249 million), according to the China Film Administration (CFA).
An impressive 35.15 million moviegoers flocked to cinemas across the country, both figures surpassing previous records set during the 2021 Chinese New Year. The Spring Festival, known as a prime time for film releases, has once again proven to be a lucrative period for the Chinese film industry.
An Array of Films Drawing Crowds
This year's holiday lineup featured six highly anticipated domestic films that debuted on the same day. Spanning a diverse range of genres, from Chinese mythology and wuxia (martial arts and chivalry) to comedy, fantasy, animation, and drama, these films catered to a wide array of audience preferences.
Huajin Securities noted that the variety in genres appeals to different groups of movie enthusiasts. Many of these films are installments of popular franchises, boasting strong reputations and dedicated fan bases, contributing to their box office success.
Boosting Consumption Potential
In a bid to unlock the full consumption potential of moviegoers, the CFA has encouraged relevant institutions to allocate approximately 600 million yuan in moviegoing consumption subsidies since December last year. Analysts believe this move has played a significant role in attracting audiences back to theaters.
Positive Outlook for the Film Industry
Looking ahead, Kaiyuan Securities predicts that total box office takings will see a 6.7% year-on-year increase, reaching 8.54 billion yuan during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday. The optimistic projection reflects the robust growth and resilience of China's film industry amidst global economic challenges.
The record-breaking figures highlight not only the strength of China's film industry but also the cultural importance of cinema during the Spring Festival. As families and friends gather to celebrate the Lunar New Year, a trip to the movies has become an integral part of the festivities, bringing people together to share in stories that resonate with audiences nationwide.
Reference(s):
China sees new daily box office revenue record during Spring Festival
cgtn.com
