China celebrated the Spring Festival with a record-breaking performance at its box office, reaching a new daily high on Wednesday. The nation's cinemas generated an impressive 1.805 billion yuan ($249 million) in earnings, marking a significant milestone in its film industry.
According to the China Film Administration (CFA), both the box office revenue and the number of moviegoers surpassed previous records set during the 2021 Chinese New Year. On that day, 35.15 million people flocked to theaters across the country, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for domestic cinema.
The Spring Festival holiday, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of China's most lucrative movie-going seasons. This year, the holiday runs from January 28 to February 4, extending one day longer than in previous years. The extended holiday has provided an additional boost to the film industry, allowing more audiences to enjoy the latest releases.
Leading the box office are six new domestic films that debuted on Wednesday, offering a diverse range of genres. From Chinese mythology and wuxia—a genre featuring martial arts and chivalry—to comedy, fantasy, animation, and drama, these films cater to a wide array of audience tastes.
Financial analysts from Huajin Securities observed that these new releases are part of highly rated, high-grossing franchises with strong reputations and large fan bases. The variety and quality of these films are key factors in attracting diverse audience groups and driving box office success.
Since December, the CFA has encouraged relevant institutions to allocate approximately 600 million yuan in moviegoing consumption subsidies. Analysts suggest that this initiative aims to unlock the full consumption potential of moviegoers, further stimulating the domestic film market.
Looking ahead, Kaiyuan Securities predicts that total box office takings during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday will reach 8.54 billion yuan, a 6.7 percent year-on-year increase. This optimistic forecast reflects confidence in the sustained growth of China's film industry.
The record-breaking box office performance during the Spring Festival underscores the vitality of China's film industry and its importance to the country's cultural and economic landscape. As audiences embrace a diverse array of domestic films, the industry is poised for continued growth and success in the coming years.
Reference(s):
China sees new daily box office revenue record during Spring Festival
cgtn.com
