China's movie industry roars back with record box office in January

Eased pandemic restrictions bring customers in droves for local blockbusters

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A patron walks by a display for the new movie "Full River Red," which was a hit over the Lunar New Year holiday. (Photo by Tomoko Wakasugi)

SHIN WATANABE, Nikkei staff writer

DALIAN, China -- China's film industry is making a strong comeback following the end of the country's zero-COVID policy, with box office sales hitting a record in January as moviegoers raced to see new blockbusters during Lunar New Year.

The industry slumped during the coronavirus pandemic, as cinemas were closed amid citywide lockdowns. But theaters have reopened, and fans are coming back.

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