World Cup screenings boost sales in China’s cinemas

Cinemas across China have been screening World Cup matches from June to July, a move that not only boosts business but also provides football fans with authentic game-day viewing experiences.

Despite many matches being broadcast live in China during the early hours, cinemas screening World Cup games have consistently been packed with football fans enthusiastically cheering for their teams.

"It was absolutely fantastic. Everyone had their own team to support, and when a goal was scored, the atmosphere made me feel like I was in a football stadium. The immersion was great. People were applauding and cheering from time to time. The experience was amazing," said a football fan in Beijing.

Hosted by China Media Group and China Film Group Corporation, the live cinema screening event for World Cup matches has launched in nearly 20 cities across China. It has drawn thousands to theaters, allowing viewers to enjoy a grand football feast in among a crowd of fellow fans.

The initiative not only increases attendance during off-peak hours at cinemas but also drives up revenue from snacks, beverages and themed merchandise.

"By screening World Cup matches, we can attract audiences who don't usually watch movies, especially those young viewers with strong consumption power and enthusiasm, to come back to the cinema. Our nighttime business, including the World Cup-themed cultural and creative merchandise, as well as other packaged offers, has also seen a significant boost in sales," said Yu Chao, deputy general manager of Capital Cinema.

World Cup screenings boost sales in China’s cinemas

China is ready to push for a community with a shared future in cyberspace, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press conference Monday in Beijing on the eve of this year's Cybersecurity Week.

The opening ceremony of this year's China Cybersecurity Week was held on Monday in Jinan, capital city of east China's Shandong Province, launching a week of related activities from Sept. 14 to 20 across the country.

"The network spans tens of thousands of miles and connects tens of thousands of households. A peaceful, secure, open and cooperative cyberspace is of great significance to every country in the world. Since 2014, China has carried out the annual cybersecurity week activities, aiming to enhance everyone's awareness and skills in cybersecurity, foster a healthy and civilized network environment, and also provide useful Chinese practice for global internet governance," Guo said.

"Today, emerging technologies led by AI are reshaping the cyberspace landscape. As a steadfast defender of cybersecurity, China has formally brought AI into the national cybersecurity legal framework, and keeps improving related institutions, guidelines and ethical standards. China is ready to work with the international community to tackle cybersecurity risks in the AI era, advance the building of a community with a shared future in cyberspace, and let the internet better serve the peoples of all countries," he said.

China pushes for community with shared future in cyberspace: spokesman