Holiday upsurge leads to record-breaking box-office revenues

China's box office revenues jumped by 51 percent to a record 14.47 billion yuan ($2.23 billion) in the first quarter, thanks to a rise in audience numbers during the New Year holiday season.

However, despite being delighted by the rise, many insiders have voiced concerns about irregularities and possible bubbles in China's movie industry, and have called for a more healthy and sustainable development.

Data released on Sunday show that the week-long Spring Festival holiday, from Feb 7 to 13, generated 3.6 billion yuan in ticket revenues, while February enjoyed the quarter's best returns with 6.9 billion yuan, according to China National Radio. It cited new figures from the Office of National Film Development Funds Management Committee, affiliated to the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, which collates statistics for box-office receipts.