Chinese film boom sparks a new wave of cultural consumption

As the Chinese film industry crossed a major milestone this year when its box office surpassed 50 billion yuan (about $7.08 billion), the impact of the movie industry extended far beyond cinema screens. Chinese films are no longer confined to theaters – their influence is extending into tourism, dining and other consumer sectors, creating new forms of cultural and economic synergy.

As China’s film market continues to expand, more productions are reaching beyond the screen. Their impact is now being felt in travel and tourism. A recent example is the popular animated film "Nobody," which highlights four lesser-known monster characters from "Journey to the West."

Riding on the film’s popularity, authorities in Shanxi – a province known for its concentration of ancient architecture and historic sites – have teamed up with the movie production team to turn cinematic interest into real-world travel.

Two curated routes across Shanxi guide visitors through locations that echo the film's on-screen journey.

The impact is also being felt in the catering sector. Films are increasingly influencing what people eat and where they choose to go.

The Shanghai-dialect film "Shanghai Wonton," now screening across the Yangtze River Delta, is bringing audiences to the city for more than just a trip to the cinema. Set in Shanghai, the film focuses on everyday life, and its down-to-earth story is drawing viewers to explore the streets and taste the local food.