As of 12 p.m. on February 1, China’s 2025 Spring Festival box office revenue soared past 5.2 billion yuan (approximately $723.5 million), according to movie data platform Maoyan. This astronomical figure reflects the burgeoning enthusiasm for cinema during the festive period.
Six new films debuted during the holiday, with five offering immersive IMAX experiences, drawing unprecedented crowds to theaters across the nation. Leading the charge, “Ne Zha 2” became the first film of 2025 to surpass the 1 billion yuan mark, achieving this milestone in record time.
Other top performers included “Detective Chinatown 1900”, which raked in 1.32 billion yuan, and “Creation of the Gods II”, amassing 767 million yuan. The impressive lineup catered to diverse audiences, fueling the box office boom.
IMAX China celebrated a new benchmark with 88 million yuan in first-day earnings, shattering its previous record set in 2021. The high-definition screenings contributed significantly to the overall success, offering moviegoers a premium cinematic experience.
Additionally, the 2025 Spring Festival witnessed a staggering 1.2 million attendees on opening day—the highest ever recorded for the holiday slot. This surge underscores the growing appeal of homegrown films and the revival of the theatrical experience.
