VR enables interactive viewing experiences for moviegoers across China

The recent rollout of virtual reality (VR) cinemas across China is expanding the boundaries of the film industry, enabling audiences to transition from spectators to participants in interactive experiences.

In Beijing, "Hyper Vision," the first virtual reality cinema in China, opened recently to the public. Spanning three floors with a total area of 3,500 square meters, the venue features five themed screening halls.

Currently, 15 VR films are being screened in the cinema, covering a wide range of genres, such as popular film and television IPs, traditional culture, science fiction and puzzle-solving. By putting on head-mounted displays, audiences can step directly into the films.

"Visually, it's even better than 3D movies. It pulls me into a virtual space," said a viewer.

The global user base for VR films reached 280 million in 2025, with Chinese users accounting for 42 percent, while penetration in first-tier cities exceeded 60 percent. As virtual reality technology continues to integrate more deeply with cinematic art, it has become a key trend in the global audiovisual content industry.

In 2025, nearly 140 VR films were filed for release nationwide. From the scaling up of content production to the initial formation of a full industry chain, VR films are expected to further unlock new boundaries in viewing experiences and create more consumption scenarios in the future.

VR enables interactive viewing experiences for moviegoers across China

Protesters took to the streets of the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Wednesday, urging the United States to release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

The U.S. launched a military strike on Venezuela on Jan. 3, forcibly taking the South American country's president and his wife and placing them in custody in New York, an action that has drawn worldwide condemnation and concern.

"We insist on taking to the streets. All social movements and all political forces are defending the homeland. We will continue protesting and demand that the U.S. empire return our commander, our president," said protester Roni Campero.

"Everyone here voted for Maduro. We want him to return home safely," said protester Esperanza Olavarria.

The demonstrators said they believe U.S. efforts to destabilize the country will fail.

"The United States wants a civil war to happen here, but it hasn't succeeded. We are still standing firm and will continue fighting to the end," said protester Maria Hinojosa.

Venezuelans rally in Caracas, demand US release President Maduro