China's cinema industry opened 2026 with robust momentum, generating 730 million yuan ($104 million) during the New Year holiday period from January 1-3. Nearly 1.41 million screenings nationwide attracted 18.51 million moviegoers, signaling strong consumer confidence in cultural consumption.
Animated features dominated regional charts, with Disney's Zootopia 2 claiming the top spot in 15 provinces and regions. The sci-fi sequel Avatar: Fire and Ash led in eight major markets including Beijing and Shanghai, while time-travel drama Back to the Past proved most popular in Guangdong Province.
The holiday's top five performers showcased diverse genres:
Zootopia 2 (animated adventure)
Avatar: Fire and Ash (sci-fi epic)
The Fire Raven (historical fantasy)
Back to the Past (romantic drama)
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (family comedy)
Industry analysts note the strong performance of family-friendly content during the holiday period, with three animated features in the top five. The figures come as China's film market continues to recover post-pandemic, offering valuable insights for global entertainment investors tracking Asian consumption patterns.
