China's box office, for the first time, tops North America (4)

Chinese movie-goers buy tickets at a cinema during the Spring Festival period. [Photo/VCG]

The number of cinema screens in China reached more than 53,000 by the end of 2017, with more theaters to be built this year, according to a report by People's Daily.

As a result, watching first-run movies is no longer an exclusive privilege for people living in first- and second-tier cities. Young residents in mid-population and smaller cities can also enjoy top-quality entertainment.

According to Maoyan, theaters in third and-fourth-tier cities drew the most crowds during Spring Festival.

The mega-hit documentary feature Amazing China also earned more than 400 million yuan ($63.9 million) across the nation.

According to mtime.com, among all viewers, those aged from 20 to 29 account for 55.5 percent, proof the Chinese film industry boom has a great deal to do with the younger generation.