Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

China's film industry closed 2024 with a total box-office revenue of 42.5 billion yuan ($5.91 billion) and 1.01 billion admissions, according to data from the National Film Administration.

Compared with 2023's 54.9 billion yuan, box-office revenue has declined, driven by multiple factors. These include "insufficient supply of high-quality films, the absence of blockbusters, and the diversification of entertainment options such as short videos and the summer Olympic Games, which drew attention away from theaters, Zhang Peng, a cultural researcher and associate professor at Nanjing Normal University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Zhang noted that China's film market has also shown some promising signs over the past year, such as diverse themes, acclaimed works, and the integration of films with other forms of entertainment.  

The year 2024 was a year of growth in genre diversity. Realist films, wuxia (martial arts), mythological, and animated films had a significant presence. Animated productions in particular captured the spotlight with standout titles like Into The Mortal World, White Snake: Afloat, and I Am What I Am 2.

These animation films are no longer confined to simple children's stories. They explore science fiction, adventure, and history, while also incorporating traditional cultural elements and modern values, Zhang noted. 

Besides animated films, Chinese filmmakers managed to produce a slate of acclaimed works in other genres that resonated deeply with audiences.

Among them was The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death, which released around the National Day holidays in October and featured an epic scope and patriotic undertones.

Article 20 paired its social commentary with heartfelt storytelling to offer a modern take on realism. Other notable releases, including YOLO, Pegasus 2 and Successor explored a variety of genres, from comedy to drama, aiming to meet audience expectations with narrative innovation.

The integration of other forms of entertainment into cinemas emerged as another key innovation. Events such as "cinema + sports" and "cinema + concerts" gained traction, transforming theaters into multi-function venues. 

During the Paris Olympic Games in the summer of 2024, over 800 theaters hosted 2,300 viewing events, drawing 56,000 attendees and generating 2.4 million yuan in ticket sales, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Similarly, concert films like Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour brought fans together for immersive experiences. For many, the cinema's high-definition screens and powerful audio systems offered a compelling alternative to live concerts, combining convenience with emotional resonance.

"Screening concerts and Olympic events in theaters show how cinemas are enhancing comfort and expanding their functionality," Shi Wenxue, a veteran cultural critic based in Beijing, told the Global Times. 

It's both a spatial upgrade and a functional innovation that's attracting more young audiences, Shi noted.

Yet another highlight of 2024 was the growing "film + tourism" trend, which bridged the gap between cinematic storytelling and real-world exploration. Iconic filming locations such as Shanghai, Chongqing, Hunan and Sichuan became popular tourist destinations, blending the charm of cinema with local culture.

For instance, White Snake: Afloat brought fresh perspectives to summer tourism in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province while That Untold Story attracted honeymooners to the picturesque Yulong Snow Mountain in Yunnan Province. Meanwhile, Shanghai's "city walks" saw increased popularity following the release of Her Story.

In Shi's view, the relationship between film and a city is "enduring." When movies are well-integrated with urban spaces, they can effectively boost local tourism.

This synergy between film and tourism not only enriched visitor experiences but also boosted local economies and cultural heritage preservation. 

As a result, the combination of film and tourism not only enriched the visitor's experience but also stimulated local economies and cultural preservation, showcasing a positive and promising development trend.

Despite a decline in box-office revenue in 2024, box-office growth in 2025 will depend on "boosting high-quality content and attracting more audiences back to theaters," Zhang said.

It's essential not to overly depend on peak seasons like the summer and National Day holidays. Instead, the emphasis should be on maintaining high-quality film offerings throughout the year, drawing audiences to theaters during off-peak times, and avoiding competition with other popular entertainment options, according to the expert.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn