Amid the vibrant celebrations of the Spring Festival, China has set a new daily box office record, signaling a robust recovery and growing enthusiasm in the nation's film industry. On Wednesday, the first day of the Chinese New Year, cinemas across the country generated an impressive 1.805 billion yuan ($249 million) in revenue.
The China Film Administration (CFA) reported on Thursday that a staggering 35.15 million moviegoers flocked to theaters on that day. Both the box office earnings and the number of attendees surpassed previous records set during the 2021 Chinese New Year, highlighting a renewed public interest in cinema-going experiences.
The Spring Festival holiday period, extending from January 28 to February 4 this year—one day longer than in previous years—is traditionally one of China's most lucrative seasons for the film industry. Families and friends gather not only to celebrate but also to enjoy new film releases, making this period a significant cultural and economic event.
This year's box office success is bolstered by the debut of six domestic films, covering a diverse array of genres including Chinese mythology, wuxia (martial arts and chivalry), comedy, fantasy, animation, and drama. This eclectic mix caters to varied audience preferences, ensuring that there is something for everyone during the holiday season.
Financial analysts at Huajin Securities observed that these new releases are part of highly rated, high-grossing franchises with substantial fan bases. The strong reputations of these films have contributed to the surge in ticket sales, as audiences are eager to see the latest installments of their favorite series.
In an effort to stimulate consumer spending and support the entertainment industry, the CFA has since December 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, further boosting box office revenues.
Looking ahead, Kaiyuan Securities predicts that total box office takings are expected to 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
