Shanghai has dominated the 2026 Spring Festival film season as both a leading producer and the nation's top-earning city, driven by the blockbuster success of "Pegasus 3" and robust local consumption.
China's box office revenue during the nine-day Spring Festival holiday that ended Monday totaled 5.75 billion yuan (about 828.65 million U.S. dollars), with total admissions hitting 120 million, the China Film Administration said on Tuesday.
Shanghai-produced films played a pivotal role in this success, with "Pegasus 3" securing the box office crown by earning 2.927 billion yuan. Other major releases involving Shanghai-based studios included "Per Aspera Ad Astra," "Scared Out," and "Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector," showcasing diversified layout across genres ranging from comedy and sci-fi to animation and spy thrillers.
Shanghai's box office revenue during the Spring Festival holiday reached 196 million yuan, securing the top position for the fifth consecutive year. The city also recorded more than 3.64 million admissions and 115,800 screenings during the holiday, both ranking first nationwide.
Industry analysts attribute Shanghai's strong performance to two major advantages. On the supply side, the city boasts a leading number of cinemas and screening sessions, ensuring ample scheduling capacity to meet diverse audience demand. On the demand side, Shanghai has a high proportion of frequent moviegoers, with annual admissions ranking first nationwide from 2023 to 2025.
To further stimulate consumption, the Shanghai Film Bureau, in collaboration with online platforms, launched a 15-million-yuan Spring Festival voucher campaign. The initiative also aligns with the National Film Administration's "2026 Film Economy Promotion Year," promoting pilot programs that integrate films with catering, tourism and cultural resources to unlock additional consumption potential.
"We have used a ticket stub to energize an entire city. For example, the 'MovieLand' mini-program in Hongkou District connects nearly 30 film-related cultural landmarks through a single movie ticket. This truly puts 'cinema plus tourism' policy into practice. We have also used digital tools to empower the overall economy and elevate the consumption market," said Chen Xiaoda, an associate professor at the Shanghai Film Academy of Shanghai University.
Shanghai-produced films, box office top 2026 Spring Festival season
