Film IP fuels expansion of consumer market

China's movie industry is increasingly deriving its earnings from broader consumer economy.

Released during the 2025 summer season, the film "Nobody" became China's highest-grossing two-dimensional animated film -- and its success went beyond theaters.

Through licensing and brand partnerships, the movie has generated 2.5 billion yuan (about 358.3 million U.S. dollars) in retail sales to consumers, with more than 800 licensed products on the market.

Ranging from plush toys to food and home goods, the movie-related merchandise can be purchased from over 3,000 online and offline outlets.

Meanwhile, souvenir stores are crowded at Shanghai Disneyland's Zootopia themed land, with hats, plush toys, and collectibles seeing steady demand from visitors.

"China's film industry is no longer defined by box office revenue alone. It has become a new growth engine that links and energizes multiple cultural sectors. At the heart of every successful film is strong storytelling. High-quality productions create cultural value, which in turn enhances the commercial value of intellectual property and opens up new consumption opportunities. I believe China's film industry delivered an outstanding performance in the past year," said Chen Xiaoda, vice dean of Shanghai Vancouver Film School.

Film IP fuels expansion of consumer market

Film IP fuels expansion of consumer market

Film IP fuels expansion of consumer market

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Monday that China welcomes foreign enterprises including Warburg Pincus and long-term capital to continue expanding their investment in China and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with former U.S. Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner, now chairman of Warburg Pincus.

The vice premier said that China is fully implementing the guiding principles of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, in accordance with the suggestions and arrangements of the 15th Five-Year Plan, and advancing the building of a unified national market, unswervingly expanding high-level opening-up and promoting high-quality economic development.

For his part, Geithner said that he is optimistic about the prospects of China's economic development, and Warburg Pincus is willing to continue to deepen its presence in the Chinese market and promote the deepening of economic and trade cooperation between the United States and China.

China welcomes foreign enterprises, long-term capital to continue expanding investment in China: vice premier