Ne Zha 2 hangover? China’s Lunar New Year box office plunges to 6-year low
South China Morning Post
by Mia NurmamatFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
China’s Lunar New Year box office has dropped to its lowest level in six years, reflecting a significant downturn in the country's film industry during this traditionally crucial period. With a nearly 40% year-over-year decline, generating just 5.75 billion yuan ($831 million) over nine days, the holiday saw no major breakout hits to match last year’s success of *Ne Zha 2*. This marks the weakest performance since 2020, when COVID-19 lockdowns severely impacted the industry.
The absence of a standout film has led to a sharp decline in both cinema attendance and average ticket prices. Attendance fell by 45.5%, while ticket prices dropped 5.9%. The Lunar New Year period is typically vital for Chinese cinema, with studios releasing high-budget films to capitalize on the weeklong holiday break enjoyed by hundreds of millions of workers. However, this year’s lineup of six new movies—from spy thrillers to comedies—failed to replicate the massive success of *Ne Zha 2*, which dominated last year’s box office.
This downturn highlights broader challenges facing China’s film industry and cultural spending amid economic uncertainties. While Chinese cinemas remain the world’s top single-market box office so far this year, the holiday’s underwhelming performance could signal a shift in consumer behavior or a lack of compelling content. For global observers, it underscores the risks and pressures faced by even the most robust entertainment markets during periods of economic instability.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/24/2026