China’s box office is bracing for a competitive and potentially record-breaking Spring Festival season, kicking off officially on . Pre-sales have already exceeded ¥120 million (approximately $17.3 million USD) as of this week, signaling strong audience interest in the extended nine-day holiday period. Unlike last year, which saw one dominant blockbuster, 2026 is shaping up to be a “multi-power competition,” according to film data analyst Chen Jin.
Leading the charge in pre-sales is Pegasus 3
, the latest installment in the popular racing film franchise. The film has already garnered ¥37.5 million (around $5.42 million USD) in opening day pre-sales. The first two films in the series proved to be significant box office draws, with the original Pegasus
grossing ¥1.728 billion ($248 million) and the sequel raking in ¥3.361 billion during their respective Spring Festival releases. The success of the franchise rests on its established fan base and crowd-pleasing formula.
Alongside Pegasus 3
, other major titles vying for audience attention include Scare Out
and Blades of the Guardians
. Scare Out
marks a new direction for acclaimed director Zhang Yimou, venturing into the national security genre with a story centered around a rapid-response team tasked with preventing the leak of classified information about China’s newest fighter jet. The film stars Jackson Yee and promises a tense, high-stakes narrative.
Blades of the Guardians
is a martial arts epic directed by Yuen Woo-ping and boasts an all-star cast including Wu Jing, Jet Li, and Nicholas Tse. The film is based on a popular IP and has already generated considerable buzz among Chinese moviegoers. The combination of a renowned director and established action stars positions it as a strong contender during the holiday season.
The 2026 Spring Festival lineup also includes the animated family film Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector
, the twelfth installment in the long-running franchise. Known for its consistent audience appeal, Boonie Bears
is a staple of the Spring Festival box office, catering to families looking for lighthearted entertainment during the holiday. Panda Plan 2, starring Jackie Chan, and Silent Awakening are also expected to contribute to the competitive landscape.
The extended holiday period – the longest-ever Chinese New Year box-office season – is expected to inject significant momentum into China’s film industry. The robust pre-sales figures, surpassing ¥100 million by Tuesday afternoon according to ticketing platform Beacon, indicate a strong start to the season. This year’s lineup represents a shift from the dominance of a single film to a more balanced competition between diverse genres and targeted audiences.
Shen Teng returns to reprise his role as Zhang Chi in Pegasus 3
, facing a new challenge in the Mu Chen 100, an intercontinental rally described as the toughest race of all. The trailer highlights the demanding conditions of the race, featuring diverse terrains and unpredictable weather. Zhang Chi will be joined by returning teammates Sun Yuqiang and Ji Xing, as well as new team members Lin Zhendong, Li Xiaohai, and Liu Shihao, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in overcoming the obstacles ahead.
The success of the Spring Festival film season is crucial for the overall health of the Chinese film market. The holiday period consistently represents the most lucrative box-office window in the country, and a strong performance can significantly boost annual revenue. The diverse lineup of films this year suggests a potential for broad audience appeal and a competitive, yet balanced, box office battle.
The industry is closely watching to see if the “multi-power competition” will translate into record-breaking box office numbers. The combination of established franchises, new ventures from renowned filmmakers, and a diverse range of genres positions the 2026 Spring Festival season as a pivotal moment for Chinese cinema.
