Despite the shortened holiday, business was booming at Chinese movie theaters over the May Day holiday.

Shanghai United Cinema Lines, the city's leading cinema chain, took in 6.36 million yuan (US$909,936) at the box office during the holiday.

The martial arts film "The Forbidden Kingdom" grossed over 3.57 million yuan, topping the chain's box office. Hollywood action fantasy film "Iron Man" has earned 2.24 million yuan since its national debut on Wednesday.

"The two were the top box-office draws during the holiday, accounting for more than 90 percent of our total revenue," said Wu Hehu, the chain's deputy director.

Although the previously seven-day holiday was cut to three days this year, the chain's box office saw a slight increase of about 1 million yuan compared with May 1-3 last year.

"Many citizens have replaced their long-distance travel plans with one-day leisure tours or would rather see a movie with family and friends," Wu said.

"Kung-fu superstars Jackie Chan and Jet Li, and the stunts in 'Iron Man' are a strong boost to our box office."

The Stellar Cinema City sold nearly 455,000 yuan in tickets over the holiday, 95 percent of which came from "The Forbidden Kingdom" and "Iron Man."

"'Iron Man' would remain a box-office sensation even after the holiday," said cinema official Zhou Qiong