China’s film industry smashed records during the 2025 National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, raking in a whopping 1.8 billion yuan ($253 million) at the box office. The eight-day holiday saw blockbuster fever sweep the nation, with audiences flocking to theaters for a mix of history, fantasy, and family fun.
Top Films Steal the Show 🎥
Leading the charge were three heavy hitters: the war epic The Volunteers: Blood and Peace, the chilling historical drama 731, and the mind-bending fantasy sequel A Writer’s Odyssey 2. Moviegoers also embraced lighter fare like the rowing comedy Row to Win, proving there’s something for every taste.
From Silver Screen to Scenic Spots 🌉
This year’s holiday had a twist: films became tourism magnets! Chongqing’s Yuzhong District, featured in A Writer’s Odyssey 2, welcomed 5.65 million visitors who spent over 5.3 billion yuan in just three days. Meanwhile, Jiangxi’s Hengfeng Film Base, where The Volunteers was shot, saw visitor numbers jump 50% year-on-year. Pro tip? Many theaters offered discounts for hotels and attractions when you flashed your ticket stub! 💸
Why It Matters 🌟
This isn’t just about popcorn profits. The holiday boom shows how China’s cultural and tourism sectors are teaming up to create experiences – turning movie magic into real-world economic gains. With creative promotions and diverse storytelling, the industry’s setting the stage for even bigger wins.
