China’s Summer Box Office Tops 10.6 Billion Yuan as Admissions Reach New High

Dragon Media News Desk

China’s 2026 summer movie season has recorded a strong increase in cinema attendance, with admissions surpassing 290 million by August 20.

More than 34.5 million screening sessions were held nationwide during the season, with both attendance and screening numbers reaching new highs.

Summer box-office revenue exceeded 10.6 billion yuan, while daily receipts remained above 100 million yuan for 40 consecutive days.

More than 120 Chinese and foreign films were released during the season, giving audiences a broad range of choices. Among the notable performers, “Welcome to Dragon Restaurant” approached 1.2 billion yuan after nine days in cinemas.

China has also increasingly linked moviegoing with tourism, dining, retail and other forms of consumption through wider “film plus” initiatives.

Lower average ticket prices, a diverse release slate and continuing investment in modern cinema infrastructure appear to be supporting the return of audiences to theaters, providing a stronger base for the broader film industry and related consumer sectors.