The total box office for China's 2025 Spring Festival holiday had surpassed 4.5 billion yuan (about 626 million U.S. dollars) as of 17:02 Friday, with the single-day revenue exceeding 1 billion yuan (about 139 million U.S. dollars) for three consecutive days.
The holiday box office of Friday, the third day of 2025 Chinese New Year, exceeded 1 billion yuan by 15:49.
The week-long Spring Festival holiday running from January 28 to February 4 celebrates the Chinese New Year that fell on Wednesday this year, and typically sees a wave of movie releases, attracting film fans out to cinemas across the country.
Leading the holiday box office is the animated sequel "Ne Zha 2" -- a follow up to the popular 2019 movie.
It is followed by the comedy-mystery "Detective Chinatown 1900", the fourth installment of the detective franchise, which is this time set in San Francisco and includes Hollywood actor John Cusack.
The epic mythological blockbuster "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force" ranks third among the new releases.
China's Spring Festival box office revenue tops 4.5 bln
China's Spring Festival box office revenue tops 4.5 bln
China's Spring Festival box office revenue tops 4.5 bln
China's Spring Festival box office revenue tops 4.5 bln
China's manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong has completed a significant upgrade and started underwater trials, according to the country's Ministry of Natural Resources.
The China-made underwater ship, named after a mythical sea dragon, is capable of diving to depths exceeding 7,000 meters. It has completed over 300 dives since its maiden mission in August 2009 and explored waters in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean.
This latest upgrade, which began in November last year, aims to enhance its capabilities and support more frequent deep-sea missions.
According to the National Deep Sea Base Management Center, the upgrade focuses on critical components like the propulsion system and battery packs.
The propulsion system has been adjusted structurally to increase the speed from 2.5 to over three nautical miles per hour, with the replacement of three-bladed propellers with more efficient four-bladed versions.
The zinc-silver battery pack has been replaced with high-energy-density flexible lithium battery pack, which aims to improve the power reserve and reduce diving costs.
The submersible's observation capabilities have also been enhanced. An array of cameras, including high-definition video cameras and powerful lighting systems, are equipped to facilitate underwater exploration and resource assessment.
Further upgrades include two more LED light arrays at the front and three more lights at the rear and bottom, expanding the submersible's detection range and improving its ability to locate specific targets.
"This upgrade prioritizes enhancing our operational tools. We've upgraded the electrical systems, propulsion, mechanical components, observation, and communications equipment to cater to the needs of deep-sea exploration and improve operational efficiency," said Qi Haibin, a submersible pilot.
Following the underwater trials to test its stability, Jiaolong will undergo sea trials in the South China Sea in March to validate its enhanced capabilities.
"Jiaolong will be sent to the South China Sea to conduct deep-sea equipment verification. After completing the process, there will be extensive missions ahead of us," Qi said.
The submersible is scheduled for further scientific expeditions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans later this year.
China's manned deep-sea submersible completes major upgrade, prepares for exploration
