Promotional materials for Ne Zha 2and Detective Chinatown 1900Photo: Courtesy of Maoyan

China's box office revenue (including presales) during the 2025 Spring Festival film season hit 4.42 billion yuan ($620 million) by 4 pm Friday,MK sports according to Chinese ticketing platform Maoyan.

While Ne Zha 2, Detective Chinatown 1900, and Creation of the Gods IIcurrently lead on the box office chart, Ne Zha 2and Detective Chinatown 1900hold the top two spots with grossing 1.26 billion yuan and 1.01 billion yuan, respectively. 

Lai Li, a data analyst from Maoyan, told the Global Times that Ne Zha 2is now projected to reach 5.55 billion yuan, surpassing its predecessor, the 2019 animated blockbuster Ne Zha, potentially making it one of the top three highest-grossing films in Chinese cinema history.

With a diverse lineup featuring military action, martial arts, fantasy, comedy, detective mysteries, and family-friendly entertainment, the 2025 film season is off to a spectacular start  

According to Chinese online media outlet lanjinger.com, cinemas in several regions, including Hebei, Shandong, and Henan provinces, are experiencing overwhelming demand, with some even using "stair tickets," cushions placed in aisles as makeshift seating.