China has achieved a new milestone in its film industry, setting a daily box office record during the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year. On Wednesday, movie theaters across the country generated an impressive 1.805 billion yuan ($249 million) in revenue.
The China Film Administration (CFA) reported on Thursday that the number of moviegoers reached 35.15 million on that day. Both the box office revenue and audience numbers surpassed the previous records set during the 2021 Chinese New Year, highlighting a significant rebound in China's film market.
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 movie-going seasons. This extension has contributed to increased opportunities for viewers to enjoy new film releases.
Leading the box office are six domestic films that debuted on Wednesday. These films span a variety of genres, including Chinese mythology, wuxia (martial arts and chivalry), comedy, fantasy, animation, and drama, catering to diverse audience preferences.
According to Huajin Securities, the wide range of genres offered by these new releases appeals to various audience groups. Many of these films are installments in well-established franchises known for their high quality and strong fan bases, further boosting their appeal.
Since December last year, the CFA has encouraged relevant institutions to allocate approximately 600 million yuan in moviegoing consumption subsidies. Analysts believe this initiative aims to unlock the full consumption potential of moviegoers and stimulate the film industry.
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 reflects confidence in the continued growth and resilience of China's film market.
Reference(s):
China sees new daily box office revenue record during Spring Festival
cgtn.com
