Move over, Hollywood—China’s Spring Festival box office is breaking records faster than you can say ‘popcorn’! 🍿 As of February 3, the 2025 holiday season (January 28 – February 4) raked in over 7.5 billion yuan ($1 billion), fueled by the *highly anticipated* sequel Ne Zha 2, according to Beacon Pro data.
🎥 Why it’s lit: The animated fantasy Ne Zha 2, a modern reboot of a classic Chinese mythological hero, dominated ticket sales, proving that local stories are still king during Lunar New Year. Social media is buzzing with fan edits of the film’s eye-popping visuals, with one Weibo user writing: ‘This is how you do a sequel—bigger, bolder, and 100% 🔥!’
🌍 Global takeaway: While international blockbusters often grab headlines, China’s domestic film industry continues to thrive, blending ancient tales with cutting-edge tech. Analysts say this year’s Spring Festival lineup—a mix of family comedies, historical epics, and sci-fi adventures—shows how filmmakers are tailoring content for younger, digitally savvy audiences.
💸 Behind the numbers: The $1 billion milestone marks a 15% jump from 2024’s holiday earnings, signaling a post-pandemic rebound for theaters. Pro tip for film buffs: Keep an eye on rising indie directors—this year’s sleeper hit, Moonlit Dumplings, quietly earned 800 million yuan by blending foodie culture with Gen-Z humor.
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'Ne Zha 2' leads as Chinese New Year box office tops 7.5 billion yuan
cgtn.com