Group 1: Market Performance - As of January 15, 2026, China's film market has continued to thrive, with box office revenue exceeding 12.75 billion yuan [1] - In 2025, 22 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities recorded the highest number of moviegoers in nearly a decade, with the box office share from lower-tier markets rising to 42% [1] - The total box office contribution from third and fourth-tier cities is nearing that of second-tier cities, with fourth-tier cities achieving a record box office of 11.89 billion yuan [1] Group 2: Cinema Hardware Upgrades - In Zhoukou City, approximately 50 cinemas are actively upgrading their projection equipment and optimizing service systems to enhance local film consumption [2] - A cinema in Zhoukou has implemented a one-stop service for ticketing and information, featuring advanced facilities like Dolby Atmos and 4D theaters, attracting many young people returning home [4] - The cinema manager reported a 10% increase in box office revenue compared to the previous year due to hardware and service improvements [4] Group 3: Performance in Lower-Tier Cities - In 2025, third and fourth-tier cities achieved a remarkable box office performance, with total revenue reaching 21.783 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year growth of 28.57% [5] - These cities accounted for 52.9% of the new cinemas built nationwide, with 557 new cinemas established last year [5] - IMAX theaters in these cities generated over 700 million yuan in box office revenue, reflecting an impressive year-on-year growth of 85.6% [5] Group 4: Innovative Screening Models - Innovative screening models, such as the "on-demand" format, are igniting enthusiasm for film viewing in grassroots communities [6] - The "Starry Sky Dot" public screening project allows students to choose films based on their interests, enhancing their educational experience [8] - Since its launch in July 2022, the project has reached 27 provinces and municipalities, conducting over 3,100 screenings and benefiting more than 350,000 individuals [8]

Core Insights - The Chinese film market has continued to thrive in 2026, with box office revenue exceeding 12.75 billion yuan as of the evening of the 15th [1] Group 1: Box Office Performance - In 2025, 22 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China saw the highest number of moviegoers in nearly a decade, with the box office share from lower-tier markets rising to 42% [3] - The total box office contribution from third and fourth-tier cities is nearing that of second-tier cities, with fourth-tier cities achieving a record box office of 11.89 billion yuan [3] - The total box office for third and fourth-tier cities reached 21.783 billion yuan in 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of 28.57% [12] Group 2: Cinema Upgrades and Innovations - Cinemas in cities like Zhoukou are actively upgrading their projection equipment and optimizing service systems to attract young audiences returning home, making movie-watching a new social norm [4] - Zhoukou's cinemas have introduced advanced features such as Dolby Atmos, 4D dynamic theaters, and VIP lounge chairs, leading to a 10% increase in box office revenue compared to the previous year [10] - In 2025, 557 new cinemas were built in third and fourth-tier cities, accounting for 52.9% of all new cinemas nationwide [12] Group 3: Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives - The "Starry Point" public screening project allows schools and communities to choose films based on their interests, enhancing cultural and educational experiences [24] - Since its launch in July 2022, the project has reached 27 provinces and municipalities, conducting over 3,100 screenings and benefiting more than 350,000 people [26]