'A Letter to Grandma' Tops 1.4 Billion Yuan as China's 2026 Box Office Surges Past 15.6 Billion

According to data from online ticketing platforms, China's total box office for 2026 (including presales) has now surpassed 15.6 billion yuan.

Among the year's top performers, "A Letter to Grandma" has seen both its reviews and ticket sales climb steadily since its release. The film has held the top spot in single-day box office for nearly three consecutive weeks, with cumulative earnings now exceeding 1.4 billion yuan, placing it among the top three films of 2026. Its theatrical run has been extended through June 30, 2026.

"A Letter to Grandma" Drives Chaoshan Tourism Boom

"A Letter to Grandma" uses overseas Chinese remittance letters as an emotional thread to tell a moving story spanning more than half a century. Through the letters exchanged between a grandfather and grandmother, the film portrays deep, enduring love and devotion, while also reflecting the diligent, courageous and loyal spirit of the Chaoshan region's overseas Chinese ancestors and the kind, sincere emotional strength of the Chinese people.

The film was shot across multiple locations in Shantou, Chaozhou and Jieyang in Guangdong province, including iconic landmarks such as Shantou's Little Park, the Longhu Ancient Village, the Tai Buddha Hall in Chaozhou and Jiefang Road in Jieyang's Minhu area. While faithfully recreating Chaoshan's natural and cultural landscapes, it also paints a vivid portrait of local life and customs.

As the film draws crowds, several of its shooting locations in Shantou, Guangdong, have attracted attention. Among them, the Qifeng Chen Ancestral Hall in Shantou's Chenghai District served as the location for the elderly heroine's home in the film.

This century-old overseas Chinese residence, a city-level protected cultural relic in Shantou, blends Chinese and Western architectural styles. Details such as Nanyang-style louvered shutters and imported tiles remain well preserved, and its rich overseas Chinese cultural atmosphere has drawn many visitors eager to experience the unique charm of the region's history and heritage.

A Lineup of Animated Films Arrives for Children's Day

As Children's Day on June 1 approaches, cinemas nationwide are seeing a peak in family viewing, with multiple domestic animated and family-friendly films opening at once — a cinematic treat for audiences young and old, and a fresh injection of energy into the year's film market.

On Children's Day itself, June 1, the documentary "100 Years of Chinese Animation" officially opens. The film focuses on the century-long development of Chinese animation, using classic works and rare archival footage to present a panoramic view of the medium's journey from early exploration to remarkable achievement, taking audiences on a nostalgic trip through the childhood memories of several generations.

The domestic fantasy animation "Zhong Kui," which opened May 30, depicts a tough-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside young Zhong Kui and has become a popular choice for family viewing. Through fantastical adventure, the film conveys an attitude of quiet protection and brave responsibility, portraying the resilience and growth of ordinary people facing adversity.

Also opening the same day is the animal-adventure animation "Voice of the Forest," which tells the story of a young monkey named Ozzy who is separated from his family by a forest fire and grows up at a rescue station. When he discovers that the fire was no accident, he gathers a band of friends with diverse personalities and sets off on an adventure to protect their home.

Lace up for a heart-pounding basketball game alongside your childhood favorites: "Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf: Dunk for Future" returned to the big screen on May 29. This Children's Day, keep loving and chasing your dreams without ever stopping.

Protect your inner child and rediscover the purest joy! "My Little Pony: A New Generation" returned to theaters on May 30, with its adorable, sparkling ponies set to light up the summer.

"Ping Pong Boys," which opened May 30, tells the rousing story of two table-tennis-loving teenage partners who share an Olympic dream but, separated by a school transfer, go from best friends to opponents on the court. In a fateful final match, they confront friendship, victory and defeat, and learn about growing up and saying goodbye.

The 2026 Summer Season Is About to Begin as More Films Set Dates

Starting June 1, the film market officially enters the summer season. Several films have already announced summer release dates, spanning genres such as history, comedy and animation, offering audiences a rich array of viewing choices. More than 50 films are now dated for the summer season.

Among the most anticipated is the historical film "Four Crossings," centered on the strategically decisive Battle of the Four Crossings of the Chishui River during the Red Army's Long March. It recreates the military miracle in which the Central Red Army, surrounded by superior enemy forces, used masterful strategy to defeat a larger foe and turn the tide of battle, paying tribute to the 90th anniversary of the Long March's victory.

"The Battle of Penghu" focuses on the pivotal 1683 campaign in which Shi Lang led the Fujian navy to recover Taiwan and unify the realm, recreating that grand epic of "the isolated must return, the divided must reunite." Alongside spectacular scenes of fierce naval warfare, the film carries the emotional hope of cross-strait shared roots and a longed-for reunion.

In addition, the comedy "Johnny Keep Walking 2," along with imported animated films such as "Toy Story 5" and "Minions and the Monster," have set their release dates, promising audiences a diverse range of cinematic experiences.

This summer, head to the cinema together for a feast of light and shadow.

(Source: CCTV News)

Source: Wen Wei Po — https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202605/31/AP6a1c161ce4b0b49ad1bd7de5.html