Movie theaters across the Chinese mainland buzzed with excitement on February 21, 2026, as audiences flocked to cinemas for Lunar New Year releases. The Spring Festival season – running through early March this year – has already seen record-breaking attendance, with industry analysts predicting this could become the highest-grossing holiday window since 2023.
Seven major productions debuted on opening day, blending family comedies, historical epics, and cutting-edge sci-fi narratives. The coordinated release strategy reflects studios' growing emphasis on catering to multigenerational audiences during China's most important cultural celebration.
While official box office figures will be released next week, early reports suggest ticket presales surpassed 1.2 billion yuan ($167 million) days before screenings began. This surge comes as China's film industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, with theater chains expanding into third- and fourth-tier cities.
Cultural commentators note the increasing global influence of Spring Festival releases, with several titles securing simultaneous distribution deals in Southeast Asia and North America. 'These films act as cultural ambassadors,' said Shanghai-based media analyst Li Wei. 'They showcase modern Chinese storytelling while maintaining traditional holiday themes that resonate across Asian diaspora communities.'
