China's movie market is experiencing an unprecedented boom during this year’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday, with nearly 20 films to be put on screens on the Chinese mainland, the highest number of releases for the same holiday period in a decade.
The holiday film market opens as China's annual box office revenue for 2026 exceeded 16.5 billion yuan (about 2.44 billion U.S. dollars) as of Thursday, according to industry data.
The films scheduled for release span a range of genres, including spy thriller, romance, suspense, animation, action, and teen comedy, offering a cinematic feast for audiences of all ages.
Scheduled for release on Friday, Chinese director Feng Xiaogang's spy drama "I Know Who You Are" is one of the holiday releases. It follows a police officer's long-term investigation of a suspected spy neighbor that spans nearly four decades. Notably, the story unfolds in Beijing's hutongs (alleyways), weaving together personal drama and historical change.
Domestic sci-fi film "The Boy Who Counted Cars" explores a world where the virtual and real intertwine. The film follows a young man who believes he is the only real person in a simulated world and embarks on a journey to uncover reality after meeting a quirky young woman.
Romantic crime film "Invictus" follows a young man who finds hope in love but is soon plunged into crisis, as he and his partner confront hardship and stand up for their sense of justice.
Chinese drama "West By Northwest" interweaves three RV (recreational vehicle) travel stories across China that explore themes of family connection, generational conflict, and the search for closure among characters from different age groups as they face life's emotional and existential challenges.
Chinese animation blockbuster "Big Fish and Begonia" will return to theaters for a 10th-anniversary re-release.
The holiday lineup also includes the Hollywood animated film "Toy Story 5," the latest installment in the beloved franchise. Set against a digital-age backdrop, the film continues the series' trademark warmth and humor while highlighting the survival challenges faced by traditional toys amid technological change.
As this year's Dragon Boat Festival coincides with Father's Day, the holiday lineup features a variety of father-son movies.
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it is celebrated on Friday and the holiday runs from Friday to Sunday.
About 20 films to hit on Chinese screens during Dragon Boat Festival holiday
