Chongqing - Chongqing’s film industry is celebrating a historic milestone: The city’s Spring Festival box office revenue surpasses 200 million yuan (USD 27.46 million), marking a new all-time high. The strong performance reflects the nationwide cinema revival, with diverse film offerings drawing massive audiences to theaters.
People walk past a movie poster at a cinema. (Photo/Li Gang, Xinhua)
Moviegoers across China have flocked to cinemas this Spring Festival, and industry data shows a remarkable surge in ticket sales. China's film industry set a new record during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, as the box office for the period from January 28 to February 4 reached a staggering 9.51 billion yuan (1.33 billion U.S. dollars), the China Film Administration announced Wednesday. Leading the charge was the animated feature Ne Zha 2, which grossed around 4.84 billion yuan.
In Chongqing, the city’s film administration confirmed that local box office sales have exceeded 200 million yuan, setting a new record.
This year’s Spring Festival box office boom can be attributed to a diverse selection of films that appeal to audiences of all ages. An industry analyst noted that the lineup’s strength lies in its variety, which includes mythological epics, childhood nostalgia, martial arts adventures, and suspenseful detective stories.
Among them, "Ne Zha 2" has captivated audiences with its bold reinterpretation of the classic legend. The film delves into Ne Zha’s internal struggles and character development, challenging the traditional dichotomy of good and evil. With over 1,900 special effects shots and a visually stunning presentation, the movie showcases the impressive growth of China’s animation industry.
Meanwhile, "Detective Chinatown 1900," the latest installment in the popular franchise, continues to blend humor with mystery, winning over fans with its engaging storytelling and strong performances. Similarly, "Boonie Bears: Future Reborn" has maintained its signature comedic charm, proving to be a strong competitor despite facing stiff competition from "Ne Zha 2."
Chongqing’s record-breaking ticket sales are not solely driven by high-quality films but also by strategic initiatives from the city’s film administration. On January 24, the film administration launched a citywide initiative aimed at boosting cinema attendance. The program, in collaboration with ticketing platforms and financial institutions, distributed 1.3 million discount vouchers ranging from 5 to 15 yuan.
The impact was immediate—while the national average ticket price during the Spring Festival stood at 50.8 yuan, Chongqing’s average remained lower at 47.9 yuan, making moviegoing more accessible to a wider audience.
Theater operators have also felt the momentum. A representative from a cinema in Chongqing Jiangbei District reported that since the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the theater has been screening "Ne Zha 2" an average of 33 times daily, accounting for half of its total showings—reflecting a citywide trend.
“The Spring Festival season has reignited confidence in the cinema industry,” the representative stated. “With strong content, audiences will always return to theaters.”
For Chongqing’s film industry professionals, the record-breaking season is both thrilling and inspiring. Ding Zhong, vice chairman of the Chongqing Film Association and co-founder of the Chongqing Youth Film Festival, expressed excitement over the resurgence of cinema attendance.
“This is a moment of joy and encouragement,” Ding said. “Every time I went to buy tickets, I had to book a day in advance, and even then, good seats were hard to get. The average occupancy rate seemed to be around 60% or higher, which is a great sign that audiences are returning to the big screen.”
Beyond box office success, Ding sees the rise of China’s film industry on a global scale. “Many of this year’s Spring Festival films have the potential to be marketed worldwide,” he noted, citing "Ne Zha 2" as an example. Initially skeptical about the sequel, he was ultimately impressed by its universal themes and high production quality, which make it well-suited for international distribution.
Ding also highlighted the growing strength of China’s domestic film production teams. “If you look at the end credits of these films, you’ll notice that most of the production companies are domestic. This proves that our local teams are now capable of delivering world-class quality.”
As an educator at Sichuan International Studies University’s School of Journalism and Communication, Ding is also optimistic about the future of China’s film education. “Students can now learn top-tier filmmaking techniques without having to go abroad,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Chongqing Youth Film Festival is now in its 11th year and exploring new directions. “As China’s film industry matures, we are actively considering international collaborations,” Ding shared.
(Zhou Shuangshuang, a reporter from Chongqing Daily, contributed to this report's Chinese version.)
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