Huba, from Monster Hunt. [Photo/Agencies]

China's box office sale hit 40 billion yuan ($6.3 billion), posting growth of more than 48 percent from the same period last year.

It is the first time box office sales in the world's second-largest film market reached such a benchmark figure, according to China's media watchdog State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

The administration said domestic films pulled 23.7 billion yuan, accounting for more than 59 percent of the total box office earnings.

Among the top 10 earners, domestic films, including the live action animation Monster Hunt, animated Monkey King: Hero is back, comedy Jian Bing Man and Goodbye Mr. Loser, took six spots.

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