Beijing is launching one of its most ambitious Spring Festival cultural incentive programs to date, committing more than RMB70 million in subsidies to support film, theater, exhibitions, and winter sports during the 2026 Chinese New Year.
Branded Galloping Horse Welcomes the New Spring: Beijing’s Colorful Chinese Year, this initiative aligns with the Year of the Fire Horse, which begins on February 17.
Significantly expanded from previous years, the program moves beyond a movie-only focus to a broader culture + tourism + sports + exhibitions model.
City authorities estimate the initiative will benefit millions of residents and visitors, encouraging holiday spending while strengthening cultural participation across the capital.
Key Subsidy Categories
Film Screenings
Image via Shanghai News FM93.4
February 15 – March 3 (17 days)
Coverage: 332 cinemas (subject to operations)
Platforms: Meituan, Taopiaopiao
Offers include:
RMB30 early-bird discounts
RMB15 instant reductions
Designated low-price film zones
‘Movie+’ perks linking to dining, theater, and travel deals
Allocated subsidies: RMB12 million
Release time: Daily from 7am, first-come, first-served
Theater Performances
February 10 – March 3
Image via Beijing Events
Includes traditional opera, song opera, dance drama, and children’s theater
Platforms: Damai, Meituan
Tiered discounts:
RMB40 off a minimum spend of RMB100
RMB80 off a minimum spend of RMB200
RMB160 off a minimum spend of RMB400
Additional incentives:
Damai provides RMB500,000 in tourism, temple fair, and lantern festival coupons
Meituan adds red envelopes and loyalty points
Allocated subsidies: RMB1.35 million
Release time: Daily from 9am
Art Exhibitions
February 10 – 28 (Closed February 16–17)
Image via Beijing Fabu
Featured event: China Beijing International Art Biennale
Platform: Meituan
Discounts available:
RMB23 off a minimum spend of RMB68
RMB55 off a minimum spend of RMB145
RMB70 off a minimum spend of RMB185
‘Art Temple Fair’ programs are launched in the meantime, adding one more festive dimension
Allocated subsidies: RMB 400,000
Release time: Daily from 9am
Skiing
February 15 – 23
Image via Pexels
Venues: 16 ski resorts, including Nanshan, Jundushan, and Huairou North
Platform: Meituan
Discounts:
RMB15 off a minimum spend of RMB90
RMB40 off a minimum spend of RMB180
RMB150 off a minimum spend of RMB500
Stackable with platform promotions
Allocated subsidies: RMB3.2 million
Release time: Daily from 9am
All offers are limited daily and end once quotas are exhausted.
Access is via participating apps or WeChat mini-programs.
Timed for the Spring Festival Box-Office Peak
The subsidy rollout coincides with the Spring Festival’s most competitive cinema window, with major domestic releases opening on February 17, the first day of the Lunar New Year.
Image via Shanghai News FM93.4
Anticipated titles include Blades of the Guardians, Pegasus 3, Panda Plan: The Magical Tribe, and Scare Out.
With presales already surpassing RMB82 million, the 2026 Spring Festival box office is widely expected to post another strong showing, driven primarily by Chinese-language releases opening on February 17, the first day of the Lunar New Year.
Staying in Beijing for the Chinese New Year?
With subsidies spanning cinemas, stages, galleries, and ski slopes, this year’s holiday lineup offers plenty of reasons to dive in.
[Cover image via Pexels, all the other images via Beijing Fabu]
