The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) will further optimize its visa policy for foreign residents traveling to the Chinese mainland starting from Wednesday, according to a notice released by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Macao SAR.
Foreign Macao residents who travel to the mainland for short-term tourism, trade, visiting relatives, visits and other activities may apply for multiple-entry visas with a validity period of five years and a stay period of no more than 180 days.
Foreign Macao residents applying for visas to China are exempt from submitting round-trip air tickets (train tickets and boat tickets) and hotel reservations, according to the notice.
In addition, they may enjoy the policy of "one-time collection and long-term exemption" for fingerprints. Applicants who have had their fingerprints recorded at Chinese overseas visa agencies will no longer need to have their fingerprints collected when applying for a visa.
Macao SAR to optimize visa policy for foreign residents traveling to mainland
China has overtaken North America to become the world's top-grossing film market so far in 2026, with box office revenue reaching 7 billion yuan (about 970 million U.S. dollars) as of Saturday, slightly above North America's 938 million U.S. dollars, according to online ticketing platforms.
The country's strong box office performance has largely been driven by its ongoing Spring Festival holiday, which began on Feb 15. So far, China's holiday ticketing revenue has exceeded 4.4 billion yuan, contributing over half of its total earnings this year.
During the nine-day holiday, a wide range of blockbuster films across different genres and themes premiered in theaters across China, providing the perfect backdrop for family reunions and festive fun.
Topping the Spring Festival sales chart was "Pegasus 3," the third installment in director Han Han's racing-comedy franchise starring Shen Teng, one of China's most bankable comedic actors. The film has amassed more than two billion yuan since its debut.
The first two films in the series were released during the 2019 and 2024 Spring Festival seasons, grossing a combined 5 billion yuan.
Spy thriller "Scare Out," directed by Zhang Yimou, ranked second on the chart with 701 million yuan in box office revenue. It was followed by the martial arts action film "Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert," which grossed 577 million yuan.
In east China's Jiangsu Province, holidaymakers said watching movies has become a popular way to enjoy family gatherings and social interactions during the Spring Festival.
"The Spring Festival is a bond that brings the whole family together. Taking advantage of this occasion, our family gets together to watch a movie, enjoying a warm and happy time," said Jiang Hong, a moviegoer.
"The cinemas are packed. Sitting in the screening room, surrounded by laughter, the atmosphere of everyone celebrating the festival together is truly wonderful. Plus, going to the movies is an activity that the whole family can do together. I think this is the essence of the Chinese New Year," said Ms. Ying, a local resident.
"When watching a movie, we all get together and immerse ourselves in a shared virtual world. Although we don't communicate during the film, we can always exchange our thoughts afterwards. It is a great choice [for festive celebration]," said Luo Pingchuan, another moviegoer.
China becomes global box office champion so far in 2026
