‘Pegasus 3’ Dominates Lunar New Year Holiday Frame

China’s theatrical market surged during the Lunar New Year vacation interval (Feb. 17–22), incomes RMB4.47 billion ($647.4 million) over the six-day body, according to data from Artisan Gateway.

The interval was led by a slate of major simultaneous releases that debuted on Tuesday, propelling the territory to briefly turn into the world’s top-grossing movie marketplace for 2026. Racing-comedy “Pegasus 3” emerged as the runaway champion, amassing $369.3 million in its first six days. Directed by Han Han and starring Shen Teng, the third installment in the franchise follows racer Zhang Chi as he leads an underdog national team into the worldwide Muchen 100 Rally.

Zhang Yimou’s espionage thriller “Scare Out” secured the second spot for the vacation interval, incomes $110.7 million. Starring Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong, the movie facilities on a high-stakes counterintelligence operation to plug a leak of categorized data.

In third, martial arts epic “Blades of the Guardians” took in $97.3 million (RMB 691.0 million). Directed by Yuen Woo-ping and starring Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse and Jet Li, the adaptation of the well-liked manhua follows a talented mercenary named Dao Ma as he treks across the harsh deserts of the Western Regions. Tasked by a benefactor with an escort mission, he must safely transport a mysterious fugitive to Chang’an, unknowingly turning into caught in a dangerous scheme with national penalties.

Animation staple “Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector” adopted in fourth with $89.7 million (RMB 637.0 million). The twelfth feature movie in the Fantawild franchise sees Briar, Bramble and Vick embark on a new adventure in Eve City.

Jackie Chan’s action-comedy sequel “Panda Plan 2” rounded out the vacation top 5 with $24.6 million (RMB 175.0 million). Directed by Derek Hui, the movie follows Chan as he protects the beloved panda Hu Hu from worldwide thieves after stumbling upon a hidden primitive tribe that hails the panda as a divine key to their survival.

While the 2026 year-to-date income of $1.08 billion is at present down 64.6% from the 2025 interval, the vacation surge has considerably narrowed the hole for the spring season.