China sees record number of moviegoers during Spring Festival holiday

The total number of moviegoers in China during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, including those involved in real-time presales, exceeded 168 million as of 00:00 Tuesday, setting a new record of the holiday period in the country’s film industry history, according to data from online platforms.

The data also showed that as of 21:28 Monday, China’s box office revenue for the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, including real-time presales, hit a record 8.5 billion yuan (about 1.17 billion U.S. dollars).

Meanwhile, China’s 2025 total box office, including real-time presales, has surpassed 10 billion yuan, surpassing North America and ranking first globally.

The films on the top of the box office chart were all domestic productions.

Leading the pack was the animated fantasy “Ne Zha 2,” the sequel to the 2019 hit “Ne Zha.”

Trailing behind was “Detective Chinatown 1900,” a thriller comedy and part of the successful Detective Chinatown franchise.

“Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force” came in third.

“‘Ne Zha 2’ left me deeply impressed. This movie is suitable for people of all ages, including adults,” said Wang Long, a resident in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province.

“We’ve been watching Chinese home-made movies during the Chinese New Year holiday, which gives me a unique sense of Chinese cultural confidence. Amid such cultural confidence, I feel that this New Year has been particularly rich, fulfilling, nourishing and inspiring to me,” said Zhang Chong, a resident in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province.

The Spring Festival, traditionally a peak and lucrative period for moviegoing, saw fierce competition among major releases. This year, the Spring Festival holiday was extended by one day to eight days, running from Jan 28 to Feb 4.

A vibrant array of cultural events blending traditional folklores with modern festivities is being held across China to celebrate the Spring Festival holiday, which runs from January 28 to February 4 this year.

Whipping the “spring cow” activity was held at the Beijing Ancient Observatory in Beijing, capital of China, on Monday, to mark the Beginning of Spring, or “Lichun” in Chinese, a solar term to mark the formal start of spring.

In Yizheng City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, more than 20 folk performances, including dragon and lion dances, drumming, and yangko dance, were staged on the streets during the holiday, bringing joy and festive blessings to residents and tourists alike.

In Shenzhen City, south China’s Guangdong Province, robot dogs took the stage for a lion dance performance that wowed the crowd.

“I think it’s very special as it combines advanced science and technology, and children especially love it. It’s a surprise,” said Yuan Xiaoqing, a local resident.

During the Spring Festival holiday, special activities are being staged across the country.

In north China’s Tianjin Municipality, a pedestrian street has been transformed into a drama stage, featuring immersive performances and close interactions with performers, drawing many residents and tourists to stop and watch.

In Sanya City, south China’s Hainan Province, large-scale live performance “Red Detachment of Women” offered visitors a captivating cultural experience.

Meanwhile, in Shuozhou City, north China’s Shanxi Province, a tour of ancient architecture was launched, centered around the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple. With its exquisite craftsmanship and rich historical heritage, the site has continued to attract a steady flow of visitors.

Meanwhile, many people are embracing sports during the holiday.

Major ski resorts in northeast China’s Jilin Province have seen a surge in visitors, as the region’s unique ice and snow resources make it a popular winter destination for both locals and tourists.

In Quzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, a rural sports festival rich in local flavor has created a lively atmosphere, with villagers celebrating the festive spirit through sports, showcasing a joyful and healthy lifestyle.

In Guigang City, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, tourists donned spacesuits and stepped into a space capsule to experience the living conditions of astronauts.

Meanwhile, in Yantai City, east China’s Shandong Province, a temple fair themed around space science and technology offered a unique celebration. Various interactive exhibits allowed visitors to not only enjoy the festive atmosphere but also immerse themselves in the wonders of space exploration.

During the festival, dazzling light shows illuminate the night. In Zhongshan City, south China’s Guangdong Province, thousands of lanterns brighten a century-old street, while vibrant Spring Festival celebrations create a festive atmosphere.

During the Spring Festival holiday, the streets and alleys of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are filled with a vibrant festive atmosphere. The street markets are adorned with traditional decorations, creating a lively holiday ambiance amid a diverse array of street food.

Many landmark attractions in the Macao Special Administrative Region are bustling with visitors. Spectacular performances, including face-changing acts and folk music, have been staged in the historic Taipa district and the Garden of the Surrounding of Monte Fort, drawing crowds of residents and tourists who pause to watch and capture the festive moments.