China’s box office revenue for the 2026 Spring Festival holiday season has exceeded 1.1 billion yuan ($159 million) as of February 17, signaling a strong rebound in consumer confidence and cultural spending. The figure, which includes presales, underscores the vitality of the Chinese mainland’s entertainment sector amid broader economic recovery efforts.
The China Film Administration (CFA), in collaboration with other government bodies, recently launched the 2026 Film Economy Promotion Year initiative, pledging to distribute over 1.2 billion yuan in moviegoing subsidies this year. Analysts suggest this policy aims to sustain post-holiday audience engagement and stimulate long-term industry growth.
This year’s holiday lineup featured a record 12 films across genres such as family-friendly comedy, high-stakes action, and visually rich fantasy. Industry observers note the diversity reflects both audience demand and studios’ strategic efforts to cater to varied demographics, including families and younger viewers.
