Posters for six Spring Festival blockbusters. [Images provided to China.org.cn]

Editor's Note: With the lucrative Spring Festival season approaching, China.org.cn previews the highly anticipated films set to entertain Chinese audiences during the eight-day holiday, in which moviegoing has become a cultural staple.

The films featured are scheduled to debut on Jan. 29, the first day of the Chinese New Year. Industry observers consider this year's lineup the most significant Spring Festival film season to date, featuring mostly sequels from successful franchises. 

Five of the six films will also be presented in IMAX, designed to maximize theatrical impact. Following a tepid performance in China's film market last year, industry authorities and filmmakers are determined to see these releases reinvigorate the market. Their strategy includes promotional campaigns, competitive ticket pricing and local government-subsidized admissions in various regions.

So far, presale figures from box office tracker Maoyan Pro indicate record-breaking momentum, with revenues swiftly surpassing successive benchmarks of 100 million, 200 million, 300 million and 400 million yuan ($55 million). The strong advance sales signal potential record-breaking performances that could restore confidence in China's film sector.

'Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants'

An IMAX poster for "Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants." [Image courtesy of IMAX China]

Directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Tsui Hark, the martial arts epic "Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants" is leading presales for the Spring Festival season. 

The film adapts the classic wuxia novel by legendary Chinese author Jin Yong, also known as Louis Cha, portraying both heroic valor and emotional depth. Wuxia, meaning "martial arts heroes," remains a genre deeply cherished by Chinese audiences.

The film stars national heartthrob Xiao Zhan, Zhuang Dafei and Hong Kong veterans Tony Leung and Ada Choi. It follows fictional kung fu master Guo Jing and his love interest, Huang Rong, as they lead the Song dynasty's local army and martial arts masters against his adoptive father, Genghis Khan, and the Mongol forces. Beyond the thrilling combat scenes, the adaptation explores the deeper question of what defines a true hero.

As the first wuxia film to premiere in IMAX during the Spring Festival season, "Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants" promises an immersive viewing experience. Director Tsui, who has worked with IMAX for over a decade, previously directed "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate," the first Chinese-language IMAX 3D film. His experience with the technology shapes his creative approach, bringing martial arts sequences and battle scenes to life on the larger format.

The film is set for release in Chinese theaters during the Spring Festival, with international release plans scheduled for later this year.