China's commercial performance market witnessed steady growth in 2025 with box office revenue across the country amounting to 61.655 billion yuan (about 8.84 billion U.S. dollars), representing a year-on-year increase of 6.39 percent, the Association of Performing Arts announced on Tuesday.
The latest data released by the association showed that 640,400 commercial performances were staged nationwide during 2025, with audience numbers reaching 194 million, indicating a growth of 4.22 percent compared to 2024.
These figures underscore an upward trajectory in China's performance market, where new and innovative performance formats flourished, pointing toward a more mature and diversified industry.
There were 3,000 large-scale commercial performances -- defined as events with audiences exceeding 5,000 -- up 12.7 percent from 2024. These attracted 43.398 million attendees, an increase of 18.81 percent, generating box office revenues of 32.448 billion yuan (about 4.65 billion U.S. dollars), a rise of 9.49 percent.
This momentum can be attributed in part to strong policy support across regions, as well as to deeper integration of tourism and culture. By combining performance projects with local tourism, the ticket economy has boosted both consumer's willingness to spend and audience enthusiasm.
Throughout 2025, 198,700 medium- and large-scale tourism-themed performances were staged across China, up 4.95 percent year on year, generating 17.44 billion yuan (about 2.5 billion U.S. dollars) in ticket revenue, an increase of 6.43 percent, and attracting about 88 million attendees, a rise of 3.01 percent.
China's box office revenue for commercial performances hits 61.66 bln yuan in 2025
The promo of China Media Group (CMG)'s 2026 Spring Festival Gala has been showcased at overseas Chinese New Year celebrations and city landmarks, bringing a vibrant festive atmosphere to locals and homesick Chinese people.
The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional holiday for Chinese people. It falls on Feb 17 this year, ushering in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle.
The gala's live broadcast on the eve of the festival has become a cherished part of the celebrations in hundreds of millions of homes.
The promotional video was featured at the "Icebreakers" Chinese New Year Dinner 2026 held in London, UK. The captivating audio-visual presentation showcased the unique charm of the Chinese New Year and the vigorous spirit of the Chinese people to attendees from both Chinese and British communities.
The promo was also displayed at the China-Cyprus Spring Festival Celebration Gala 2026 in Nicosia, conveying the theme of harmony and reunion that is celebrated during the Chinese New Year.
During the event, participants enjoyed splendid cultural performances including traditional opera, martial arts, acrobatics, songs and dances, as well as robot shows, and celebrated the profound friendship between the people of China and Cyprus.
Meanwhile, the promotional video for this grand gala has been played on screens across Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania. It has been continuously displayed since Saturday at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, the central business district, and outdoor billboards lining the streets, drawing local citizens and overseas Chinese in Tanzania.
"I'm really excited to watch the promotional video of the CMG's Spring Festival Gala in Tanzania. This time, I can't return home due to work reasons, but as a Chinese, I will still watch the Spring Festival Gala even if I'm in Africa as it is a must-do Chinese New Year celebration. Although I miss home, I won't feel lonely being able to watch the Spring Festival Gala with Chinese people all over the world," said Li Zhichong, a Chinese living in Tanzania.
CMG Spring Festival Gala promo shown in various countries
