As the Year of the Snake begins, China’s Spring Festival in 2025 has captivated audiences and shattered box office records. The festival, running from January 28 to February 4, generated an astounding RMB 9.51 billion (approximately $1.3 billion) in ticket sales. This figure not only eclipses the previous record of RMB 8.02 billion but also marks a significant resurgence in the Chinese film market following a disappointing year in 2024. These remarkable numbers signal a resurgence in an industry that is finding its footing once again amid shifting economic landscapes.
The Spring Festival period saw its peak on January 29, with the single-day revenue reaching an impressive RMB 1.8 billion ($247.5 million). Following this extraordinary initial surge, daily revenues consistently hovered above RMB 1 billion ($137.5 million), demonstrating a sustained audience demand for films during this traditionally lucrative time. This year, audiences purchased a staggering 187 million tickets, indicating not only a recovery but also a fresh enthusiasm for cinema in China.
At the forefront of this box office explosion is “Ne Zha 2,” an animated sequel that has taken China by storm, grossing an eye-watering RMB 4.84 billion ($665.6 million). This figure represents a watershed moment in the industry, as it records the highest earnings for a single film during the Chinese New Year period in history. This animated feature has outperformed its predecessor from 2019, and it is on the verge of eclipsing “The Battle at Lake Changjin” from 2021 to potentially become the highest-grossing film in Chinese cinema.
Analysts predict that “Ne Zha 2” could approach or even surpass RMB 8.7 billion ($1.2 billion), establishing it as one of the very few films globally to hit the billion-dollar mark within a single market. Should it achieve this milestone, it would not only secure its place in history but also position itself above “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,” which previously held the distinction of the highest-grossing film in a single market.
Following “Ne Zha 2” in box office ranks is “Detective Chinatown 1900,” directed by Chen Sicheng, which amassed RMB 2.28 billion ($313.5 million). Other notable contributors to the impressive box office haul include “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force” and “Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants,” among others. The dominance of sequels and adaptations during the Spring Festival is not coincidental. According to USC professor Stanley Rosen, the familiarity and established quality inherent in franchise films played a pivotal role in this success.
The film administration’s initiative to subsidize moviegoers with RMB 600 million ($83 million) also played a crucial role in revitalizing audience interest. While these promotional efforts certainly contributed to traffic, the sustained interest in cinema suggests a deeper cultural craving for entertainment amid a challenging economic climate in China.
While the Spring Festival often signals a revitalization for the cinema industry, it does not necessarily indicate a full recovery from past setbacks. The disheartening 25% decline in overall box office receipts in 2024 casts a shadow over the achievements of 2025. Economic pressure remains widespread, and these trends can complicate the landscape for future film releases, including those from Hollywood.
The acceptance of foreign films and the easing of censorship in previous years raised optimism about international titles returning to the Chinese market. However, the transitional dynamics of audience preferences and governmental regulations pose risks for future collaborations with Hollywood.
The Spring Festival 2025 represents a bright spot for the Chinese film industry. It showcases a collective desire for entertainment, encapsulated in record-breaking box office achievements that underline the potential for growth. As the ripple effects of this festival unfold, only time will tell how these developments will influence both domestic and international cinematic landscapes.