China's film industry celebrated a remarkable achievement on Wednesday as the daily box office revenue soared to an unprecedented 1.805 billion yuan ($249 million) during the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year.
The China Film Administration (CFA) announced on Thursday that this record-breaking figure surpassed the previous high set during the 2021 Chinese New Year. An impressive 35.15 million moviegoers flocked to cinemas nationwide, indicating a strong resurgence in the entertainment sector.
The Spring Festival holiday, running from January 28 to February 4 this year—one day longer than in previous years—is traditionally one of the most lucrative periods for China's film industry. This extended holiday has provided an ideal window for families and friends to enjoy cinematic experiences together.
Leading the box office chart are six domestic films that premiered on Wednesday, offering a diverse range of genres including Chinese mythology, wuxia (martial arts and chivalry), comedy, fantasy, animation, and drama. These films have attracted audiences of all ages, catering to varied tastes and preferences.
Huajin Securities observed that these new releases are part of highly rated, high-grossing franchises with strong reputations and large fan bases. The diversity in genres is seen as a strategic approach to appeal to a broad spectrum of viewers.
Since December last year, the CFA has encouraged relevant institutions to allocate approximately 600 million yuan in moviegoing consumption subsidies. Analysts suggest this move aims to unlock the full consumption potential of moviegoers and stimulate the domestic film market.
Looking ahead, Kaiyuan Securities predicts that total box office takings will see a 6.7 percent year-on-year increase, reaching 8.54 billion yuan during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday. This optimistic forecast reflects confidence in the continued growth and resilience of China's film industry.
Reference(s):
China sees new daily box office revenue record during Spring Festival
cgtn.com
