China’s theatrical market boomed during the Lunar New Year holiday period (February 17-22), generating RMB 4.47 billion ($647.4 million) in revenue in six days, according to data from Artisan Gateway.
The period was driven by a series of major simultaneous releases on Tuesday, propelling the region to briefly become the world’s highest-grossing film market in 2026. Racing comedy “Pegasus 3” emerged as the undisputed champion, earning $369.3 million in its first six days. The third installment of the series, directed by Han Han and starring Shen Teng, follows racer Zhang Qi as he leads an underdog national team to compete in the International Mucheng 100 Rally.
Director Zhang Yimou’s spy thriller “Scare Out” secured the second place during the holiday period, earning $110.7 million. The film, starring Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong, centers on a high-stakes counterintelligence mission to stop the leak of sensitive data.
In third place was the martial arts blockbuster “Blaze of the Guardians,” which grossed $97.3 million (691 million RMB). Directed by Yuen Woo-ping and starring Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse, and Jet Li, this film adaptation of the popular comic book follows a skilled mercenary named Dao Ma as he travels through the harsh deserts of the Western region. Ordered by his benefactor to escort a mysterious fugitive to Chang’an, he unknowingly becomes embroiled in a dangerous plan with national implications.
Animated classic “Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector” followed in fourth place with $89.7 million (RMB637 million). In the twelfth feature film in the Fantawild series, Briar, Bramble, and Vic embark on a new adventure in Eve City.
Jackie Chan’s action-comedy sequel “Panda Plan 2” rounded out the holiday season’s top five with $24.6 million (RMB175 million). Directed by Derek Hui, the film follows Chan as he protects his beloved panda, Fufu, from international thieves as he encounters a hidden primitive tribe that celebrates pandas as the sacred key to survival.
Year-to-date sales in 2026 are $1.08 billion, which is currently down 64.6% compared to 2025, but the gap has narrowed significantly heading into the spring season due to a surge in the holiday season.
