China's 2026 Spring Festival box office has surpassed 4 billion yuan (about 579 million U.S. dollars), with presales fueling a nationwide rush to cinemas, industry data showed.
The holiday movie season, which officially kicked off on February 15 and runs through February 23, is one of the most significant periods for the world's second-largest film market.
Currently leading the box office rankings are the sequel "Pegasus 3", the contemporary espionage thriller "Scare Out", and the latest installment of the popular animated franchise, "Boonie Bears".
A diverse lineup of films has debuted during this year's holiday season, covering genres such as comedy, action, animation, and science fiction. This varied selection has provided moviegoers with a rich cinematic feast, catering to a wide range of audience preferences.
China's 2026 Spring Festival box office revenue hits 4 bln yuan
International tourists are no longer just passing through China's transit cities during the Spring Festival, as festive experiences, innovative tourism products and convenient services are prompting more travelers to stay longer.
In Wanzhou District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, the benefit of the country's visa-free policies is increasingly visible. While the district has traditionally served as a transfer point for tourists boarding Yangtze cruises or switching to high-speed rail, this year's holiday saw a significant shift as visitors chose to stay and experience the local festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.
"I've really been enjoying Wanzhou. The food here is exceptional, the steamed lamb is very good, the BBQ fish, the zajiang noodles. I like them a lot. The river is very beautiful, there's lots to do and the mountains are also very beautiful. The next few days I plan to visit Wanzhou's waterfall and also enjoy Chinese New Year," said a tourist from South Africa.
To accommodate the growing number of inbound travelers, particularly those in transit overnight, local authorities launched the Pinghu Night Tour. The initiative features drone light shows, roasted fish night markets, and 24-hour intangible cultural heritage performances, successfully transforming Wanzhou from a mere stopover into a primary destination.
Data from the local tourism department shows that inbound travel orders in Wanzhou surged by 40 percent year-on-year during the Spring Festival holiday.
At Beijing Capital International Airport, a newly launched free half-day tour program for international transit passengers has seen high demand during the holiday, with an average of over 100 daily registrations. The program whisks travelers away to iconic landmarks such as the Temple of Heaven and Qianmen Street, allowing them to make the most of their layover.
"It's really awesome getting to go to the old temple. I think that's really, really cool to see a bit of Chinese history," said a tourist from New Zealand.
The festive warmth has also reached China's maritime gateways. In the port city of Shantou, south China's Guangdong Province, a new policy allows foreign crew members to bypass traditional waiting times and head directly to local scenic spots. Border inspection officials now send invitation emails to vessels in advance, enabling crew members to clear customs quickly and join the New Year celebrations.
"All these impressions that I received in China are gift for me," said a Russian sailor.
China’s transit cities emerge as popular destinations for global tourists during Spring Festival
