China's 2025 box office tops 10 billion yuan, surpassing North America

In a major milestone of the film industry, China's box office revenue for 2025, including pre-sales, has officially exceeded 10 billion yuan (over 1.4 billion U.S. dollars), surpassing those of North America.

Latest data has showed that the box office revenue has hit 10.12 billion yuan, placing China at the top of the global box office rankings for this year.

As of 10:40 on Tuesday, the box office for the Spring Festival holiday period reached a new historical record of 8.7 billion yuan (over 1.21 billion U.S. dollars), with cinemas across the nation receiving over 170 million visits.

The number exceeding the figure registered in the 2024 Spring Festival, setting a new record for audience attendance during the Spring Festival in Chinese cinema history.

The week-long holiday, which runs from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4, is traditionally the most lucrative period for China's film industry, with audiences flocking to theaters to watch new releases.

Meanwhile, the daily box office has exceeded 1 billion yuan for six consecutive days since Jan. 29 when six films targeting the holiday season were released.

Leading the pack are the animated fantasy "Ne Zha 2," Detective Chinatown 1900" and "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force".

The historic high box office of the Spring Festival holiday reflects the high-quality development in China's domestic films and highlights the strong recognition of Chinese traditional culture among audiences.

It also indicates vibrant consumption during the holiday as well as the consumers' confidence in domestic productions.

In addition, innovative marketing strategies have enabled Spring Festival films to break new ground ahead of schedule.

This year, the promotional methods for films during the Spring Festival have evolved from traditional events including theater previews to a diversified approach that includes short video promotions and social media interactions, igniting excitement and expectations for the films.

Moreover, special effects have become the "invisible infrastructure" of the film industry, with five out of the six blockbusters targeting the holiday season featuring advanced special effects.

Data shows that films with special visual effects have comprised about half of the total offerings during the Spring Festival seasons of the past five years.

The trend highlights how special effects have infiltrated various types of films, becoming integral to the industry.

Traditional cultural themes have also gained popularity among this year's Spring Festival films, as half of the films released during the festival are rooted in traditional Chinese culture, including ancient Chinese history, mythology, and martial arts culture.

Additionally, almost every film for this Spring Festival has been coupled with related tourist attractions, which have seen a marked increase in tourist visits as a result.

China's 2025 box office tops 10 billion yuan, surpassing North America

China's 2025 box office tops 10 billion yuan, surpassing North America

China's 2025 box office tops 10 billion yuan, surpassing North America

China's 2025 box office tops 10 billion yuan, surpassing North America

China's 2025 box office tops 10 billion yuan, surpassing North America

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.

During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.

China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.

Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.

China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.

On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.

Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.

Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation