China's box office tops 3 billion yuan as summer season heats up

China's 2026 summer movie season has surpassed 3 billion yuan (about $440 million) in box office revenue, including advance sales, according to ticketing platform Maoyan.

The milestone comes as the comedy Kung Fu Soccer continues to perform strongly at the box office. The film has earned more than 655 million yuan in its first four days of release, making it one of the top-performing titles in this year’s summer movie season.

As the summer holiday gets underway, cinemas across China are seeing more audiences, with a variety of films arriving on the big screen. This year's lineup covers a range of genres, including comedy, animation, historical films, science fiction, action and realistic stories, offering moviegoers more choices.

Other Chinese releases, including Keep Real and I Know Who You Are, have also attracted audiences with different themes and storytelling styles.

International films have also added variety to the summer lineup. Animated film Minions & Monsters and other imported titles are drawing audiences, especially families and younger viewers.

More films will arrive in the following weeks. Chinese releases including A Part of Me, All Wishes Come True, The Decisive Moment and Make Zhonghe Great Again, along with international films such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey, will continue to expand the choices available to moviegoers.