A pivotal moment from the biographical drama The Dumpling Queen, which dominated China’s box office during the recent May Day holiday period. The film has maintained its position as the nation’s top daily box-office performer for fourteen consecutive days.
As we reach the midpoint of 2025, China’s cinematic landscape appears to be taking a strategic breather—experiencing a temporary slowdown after an explosive start to the year, but industry experts anticipate a robust resurgence in the coming months.
With the May Day holiday figures included, China’s total box office revenue for 2025 has now surpassed 26.5 billion yuan ($3.67 billion). The animated phenomenon Ne Zha 2 continues to be the year’s standout performer, accounting for over 50% of this cumulative total since its Lunar New Year debut.
The record-breaking sequel has extended its theatrical run through May 31st. During a recent industry forum hosted by the China Film Administration, Wang Changtian of Beijing Enlight Media—primary backer of the Ne Zha series—disclosed that the much-awaited Ne Zha 3 will require approximately five years of production before reaching audiences.
The recent May Day holiday period—typically a lucrative window for cinema releases—saw nine new films enter the market. However, data from the Maoyan Research Institute reveals the five-day span generated just 747 million yuan in total receipts, marking an eight-year low and representing a 51.1% year-on-year decline.
Leading the holiday charts was The Dumpling Queen, starring comedian-turned-dramatic actress Ma Li. This inspirational biopic chronicles the remarkable journey of Zang Jianhe—a single mother who built a culinary empire (the renowned Wanchai Ferry brand) from humble beginnings selling dumplings on Hong Kong’s streets. The film earned 192 million yuan during the festival period.
Securing second place was veteran actor Andy Lau’s financial thriller A Gilded Game, which exposes the dark underbelly of investment banking and securities trading. The gripping drama collected 134 million yuan over the holiday weekend.
