China celebrated a cinematic milestone on Wednesday, the first day of the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, as the country's daily box office earnings soared to a record-breaking 1.805 billion yuan ($249 million).
According to the China Film Administration (CFA), this impressive figure surpassed the previous records set during the 2021 Chinese New Year, with 35.15 million moviegoers flocking to theaters nationwide. The surge in attendance and revenue underscores the robust recovery of China's film industry amid the festive season.
The Spring Festival holiday, traditionally one of China's most lucrative periods for movie releases, runs from January 28 to February 4 this year—one day longer than in previous years. This extended break has provided an ideal opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the latest cinematic offerings.
Dominating the box office are six domestic films that premiered on Wednesday, spanning a diverse array of genres including Chinese mythology, wuxia (martial arts and chivalry), comedy, fantasy, animation, and drama. This variety caters to the eclectic tastes of the Chinese audience, ensuring there's something for everyone during the holiday.
Huajin Securities highlighted that many of these new releases are installments in highly acclaimed and high-grossing franchises, boasting strong reputations and dedicated fan bases. Their success reflects the effective strategy of tapping into established narratives and characters that resonate with viewers.
In an effort to further boost the film industry, the CFA has since December encouraged relevant institutions to allocate approximately 600 million yuan in moviegoing consumption subsidies. Analysts believe this move aims to unlock the full consumption potential of moviegoers, stimulating economic activity within the sector.
Looking ahead, Kaiyuan Securities predicts that total box office takings during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday will see a 6.7% year-on-year increase, reaching 8.54 billion yuan. This optimistic forecast suggests a continuing upward trajectory for China's film market in the coming years.
Reference(s):
China sees new daily box office revenue record during Spring Festival
cgtn.com
