China's film industry has set a new benchmark, with the daily box office revenue during the Spring Festival reaching an unprecedented 1.805 billion yuan ($249 million) on Wednesday. This milestone coincides with the celebration of the Chinese New Year, marking a triumphant moment for the nation's cinematic landscape.
On that single day, a staggering 35.15 million moviegoers filled theaters across the country. Both the box office revenue and the number of attendees surpassed previous records set during the 2021 Chinese New Year, according to a statement released by the China Film Administration (CFA) on Thursday.
The Spring Festival holiday, spanning 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 the film industry. The extended holiday provides an ample opportunity for families and friends to gather and enjoy new film releases, boosting the entertainment sector significantly.
Leading the charge are six domestic films that premiered on Wednesday, encompassing a variety of genres such as Chinese mythology, wuxia (martial arts and chivalry), comedy, fantasy, animation, and drama. This diverse lineup caters to a wide array of audience preferences, ensuring that there is something for everyone during the festive season.
Huajin Securities, a leading financial services firm, highlighted that these six new releases are part of highly rated, high-grossing franchises with strong reputations and dedicated fan bases. The company's analysis underscores the importance of franchise films in driving box office success, particularly during peak viewing times like the Spring Festival.
In an effort to further stimulate the film industry, the CFA has encouraged relevant institutions to allocate approximately 600 million yuan in moviegoing consumption subsidies since December last year. Analysts suggest that this initiative aims to unlock the full consumption potential of moviegoers, providing a substantial boost to the domestic film market.
Looking ahead, Kaiyuan Securities predicts a continued upward trajectory for China's box office performance. The firm forecasts a 6.7 percent year-on-year increase in total box office takings, reaching an estimated 8.54 billion yuan during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday. Such projections indicate strong confidence in the sustained growth of China's entertainment sector.
The record-breaking figures not only reflect the robustness of China's film industry but also signify a cultural resurgence as audiences eagerly return to cinemas. As the nation welcomes the New Year, the success of the Spring Festival box office serves as a testament to the thriving domestic market and the enduring appeal of Chinese cinema.
Reference(s):
China sees new daily box office revenue record during Spring Festival
cgtn.com
