During the ongoing 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), moviegoers can not only enjoy a rich lineup of movie screenings, but also unlock exclusive discounts and offers at a dozen of business districts across Beijing with their ticket stubs.
Launched during the film festival, the “China Film Consumption Year” event is a joint effort by the National Film Administration, China Media Group, and other organizations.
The initiative aims to boost both film culture and consumer spending, creating a vibrant crossover between the silver screen and city life during the festival, which runs from April 18 to 26.
Throughout the festival, a variety of themed markets, sub-forums, and other activities are being held across cinemas and cultural and creative parks in the city.
The 798 Art District alone is hosting over 20 outdoor exhibitions and related activities during the festival. Visitors can enjoy discounts from more than 100 participating merchants in the area, including those in catering, exhibitions, and the cultural and creative industries.
"There are many excellent films screened during the Beijing International Film Festival. I had just stepped out of a cinema when I found that this cafe offers a special discount for people with a movie ticket stub, so I came over for a cup of coffee," said Hou Liaohong, a moviegoer.
Promotional signs have been rolled out across participating business districts and cinemas, with many extending the discounts to any movie ticket from April.
The 15th BJIFF presents over 300 films across 33 cinemas and one immersive venue in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei. The "Beijing Screening" section offers approximately 900 screenings, showcasing global masterpieces, restored classics and the works of emerging Chinese filmmakers.
Beijing film festival launches “ticket stub for discounts” campaign to boost film culture, consumption
Beijing film festival launches “ticket stub for discounts” campaign to boost film culture, consumption
Hong Kong's first astronaut lifted off into space on Sunday, sparking a wave of enthusiasm for space exploration in the special administrative region, while inspiring a new generation to look to the stars.
The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 23:08 (Beijing Time) on Sunday. The crew members include Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut and payload specialist from Hong Kong to join a national space mission, whose achievements have motivated many Hong Kong residents.
"I feel so happy and thrilled. This is the first time a Hong Kong astronaut has gone to space, and to see a true Hong Konger, who is also a mother of three, just really touches my heart," said Chow, a local resident.
The successful spaceflight of Lai has especially captivated the younger generation to dream bigger about the future.
"I want to be an astronaut, because I want to discover more things about space," said a young student surnamed Chow.
"I have seen things related to spaceflights of astronauts. I hope when I grow up, I could receive training and go to space myself," said another student surnamed Koo.
To meet public expectations, the Hong Kong Space Museum has updated its space-themed exhibition with the latest development of the Shenzhou-23 mission, extending the display until July 6. Parents are seizing the moment to enrich their children's knowledge.
"At his age, I want him to be exposed to a wide range of information. With all the recent astronaut news, I brought him here specially to see for himself. We will also check out a film about space knowledge at the planetarium. I hope he can get more out of this from an early age," said Cheung, a father.
"We just watched the Shenzhou-23 launch at home with my son last night, and decided to take him to the Space Museum," a mother surnamed Chun shared.
"I saw on TV that so many people were cheering for the launch. When the rocket was launched, fire burst out from its body. I was really happy they succeeded," said Chun's son.
Hong Kong's first astronaut ignites citywide enthusiasm over space exploration
