Chinese cinemas seek new growth by diversifying business models

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser. Movie posters at a cinema in Fuyang City, east China's Anhui Province, July 19, 2026. /VCG China's summer movie season is heating up. With a string of new releases, including Kung Fu Soccer and All Wishes Come True hitting theaters, students and family audiences have become a major source of traffic during the summer holiday. Data from online platforms showed that as of 3:40 p.m. on July 28, the total box office revenue of China's 2026 summer movie season, including presales, had surpassed 6 billion yuan ($886.7 million). With cinemas seeing a surge in audiences, they are exploring new ways to expand beyond traditional film screenings and create more immersive, multi-purpose entertainment spaces. In Beijing's Wukesong area, a weekend "food street" event has turned the local cinema into one of the most popular spots in the surrounding commercial area. Moviegoers can enjoy free local delicacies by presenting their cinema purchase receipts, with long lines forming at many food stalls.

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