"Avengers: Infinity War" has taken in 334 million USD in China after 17 days. It's the biggest Hollywood release in the Middle Kingdom this year and the third biggest of all time. It's no accident that Infinity War achieved such impressive results at the Chinese box office. Over the past decades, the Marvel movies have always been major CONTENDERS in China's thriving movie market. And Marvel's stable of superheroes are EXTENDING their influence beyond the big screen here. Take a look.

Since the Iron Man descended on the Chinese market ten years ago, nearly 20 Marvel productions have raked in over 10 billion yuan at China's box offices. Captain America, Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Avengers have become household names among Chinese moviegoers. Today, China stands as the biggest single overseas market for Marvel movies.

Behind the success lies the media franchise known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The multimedia shared universe is populated by characters based on Marvel's comic books. Over the years, it has expanded to include TV series, online series and short films, all benefiting from the common settings, characters, and plot elements. Even a faux pas news program has been launched for its viral marketing.

With its stable of recurring characters, Marvel productions are building a solid fan base in China. And the Marvel Universe's ambitions have not been limited to the silver screen. Three years ago, Marvel Comics launched a pop-up in Shanghai, to present models of its well-known superheroes and other related products.

Among them are the six-meter tall Iron Man, Captain America and Thor. These well-known Marvel characters from The Avengers, and about 400 other related products, have attracted droves of Chinese fans, as the Chinese market has been showing its passion for superhero movies. CGTN.