Cinema-inspired on-board entertainment gains momentum in China

China

Cinema-inspired on-board entertainment gains momentum in China

2025-04-20 11:48 Last Updated At：18:57

Cinema-inspired on-board entertainment is gaining a momentum in China, as Chinese film authorities are intensifying their cooperation with railway companies, airlines and shipping companies to launch film-themed trips nationwide as part of an initiative to stimulate consumption with the "China Film Consumption Year" campaign.

As part of the "China Film Consumption Year" campaign, the efforts are aimed to harness the cultural appeal of cinema to boost consumer spending and support economic growth.

On Saturday, a C919 jetliner flying from Shanghai took its passengers on a movie journey. The luggage racks in its passenger cabins are decorated with famous lines in movies.

"Taking a plane is quite tiring, but enjoying in-flight movies will definitely make the trip much comfortable," said a passenger.

Meanwhile, local authorities across China have been introducing interesting activities that combines films with tourism. For example, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province has opened special movie-themed trains for tourists to feel the charm of Chinese films.

"We offer classic film screenings, movie poster exhibitions and Q and As on film knowledge on board the train so that foreign tourists are able to experience Chinese film culture while enjoying delicious food and beautiful sights," said Zhao Lu, manager of China Railway Harbin Culture and Tourism Group's tourism division.

In Qingdao City of east China's Shandong Province, an Adora Magic City cruise ship departing here for Jeju in South Korea and Fukuoka in Japan recently has also embarked on a special journey in line with the "China Film Consumption Year" campaign.

During their trip, the passengers on board are treated to concerts of classic film music, movie posters and other film-related activities.

Improving Afghan livelihoods urgent priority: Chinese envoy

China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, has called for urgent action to improve the livelihoods of the Afghan people.

The UN Security Council met on Monday to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, including its recent cross-border tensions with Pakistan and the rights of women and girls. Fu stressed that Afghanistan is facing multiple challenges, including humanitarian, development, counter-terrorism, and human rights issues. Nearly 22 million Afghans still need humanitarian assistance, and more than 30 million people live on less than one dollar a day, Fu said. He noted that the humanitarian crisis is being worsened by the lingering threat of explosive remnants of war, the return of millions of refugees, and frequent natural disasters.

"It is regrettable that some countries have drastically reduced or even stopped aid to Afghanistan, forcing the United Nations and international humanitarian agencies to shut down many relief projects last year. This has made problems like food security, public health, and malnutrition among children and pregnant women even more severe. We urge traditional donors, especially those with historical responsibilities toward Afghanistan, to immediately restore and increase their aid, and to turn their concern for the Afghan people into concrete action," said Fu.

China also called on the Afghan government to adopt an open, inclusive, and responsible approach, and to swiftly change relevant policies to ensure the basic rights of all people, including women.

On the recent escalation of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Fu expressed deep concern and sorrow over the casualties on both sides, urging both parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation.