China's total box office revenue for the 2026 summer movie season has surpassed 5.5 billion yuan (about 812 million U.S. dollars) as of 09:30 Beijing Time on Sunday, pushing the country's overall 2026 box office to surpass 21.2 billion yuan, according to the film data platform Maoyan.
China's summer movie season runs from June 1 through August 31, and is traditionally one of the country's most lucrative film periods.
This summer, more than 120 domestic and international films are slated to roll out, covering a variety of genres from historical dramas and comedies to action, animation and science fiction. Comedies in particular have stood out this season, led by a wave of homegrown titles drawing strong audience attention.
Among them, the comedy animation "All Wishes Come True" has become a breakout performer, with box office revenue having so far surpassed 600 million yuan.
Inspired by the classic Chinese myth of the Eight Immortals, the film utilizes a traditional landscape painting style to depict the mystical realm of Penglai and has struck a chord with audiences by delivering a heartwarming message of mutual support and resilience.
Another major summer title, the sports-themed comedy "Kung Fu Soccer" has topped 1.8 billion yuan. The film is written and directed by Stephen Chow, marking his return to comedy filmmaking after a seven-year gap, and audiences have said it carries forward his signature style of humor blended with imaginative and high-energy competition.
Meanwhile, the space drama "The Decisive Moment" released Saturday crossed 39 million yuan in box office revenue on its first day. Its script spans China's space program across six decades, from the era of the 1970 Dongfanghong-1 satellite launch, when calculations were largely done by hand-cranked calculators, with abacuses brought in during urgent tasks, through to a 2035 vision for the country's space ambitions.
China's 2026 summer box office exceeds 5.5 bln yuan
Tunisia's iconic village of Sidi Bou Said has been inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List, the country's Ministry of Cultural Affairs said on Saturday.
The decision was adopted during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, running from July 19 to 29 in Busan, South Korea.
The ministry said the site was recognized for its outstanding universal value, citing its distinct architectural identity, rich cultural heritage, and centuries-long contribution to Mediterranean civilization.
Even before UNESCO's official nod, Sidi Bou Said had already earned widespread admiration from locals and tourists, given its unique blend of natural beauty, architecture, art, and spiritual heritage.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the ancient ruins of Carthage, Sidi Bou Said is known for its picturesque blue-and-white architecture, cobblestone alleys, and sweeping panoramic views.
Founded in the 14th century, the village owes its name to the revered Sufi scholar Abu Said al-Baji, whose sanctuary became the spiritual foundation around which the community expanded over centuries.
Resident Aly Cherif has dedicated decades to protecting this picturesque hilltop village. He served on the committee that prepared Sidi Bou Said's nomination for the World Heritage List -- a bid built around three defining features.
"The first defining feature is the extraordinary natural beauty of this place. The second is its distinctive architecture. The third is the art, Sufi heritage and spiritual atmosphere that have shaped Sidi Bou Said. It is the combination of these three elements that makes the village truly unique," Cherif said.
Defined by whitewashed walls, blue doors, and ornate windows, Sidi Bou Said owes its distinctive character to an architectural harmony that became the centerpiece of its UNESCO bid.
"Sidi Bou Said stands out for its beauty and distinctive architecture. It has preserved its Arab-Andalusian character, while its colours blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape -- the blue of the village echoing the blue of the sky and the Mediterranean," said Jamel Seguira, a tourist guide.
For many foreign tourists, the village offers more than postcard-perfect views -- its preserved streets and historic atmosphere are also seen as compelling grounds for UNESCO recognition.
"It definitely should be included on the World Heritage List. It is beautiful, well preserved, and still carries the spirit of its history," said Marian, a Slovakian tourist.
Other tourists say Sidi Bou Said's charm lies in the experience itself -- the colors, the calm streets, and the pleasure of discovering the village on foot. Their impressions have added public momentum to its nomination.
"Sidi Bou Said is very charming. The colors are beautiful, and the blue really stands out. It is a very welcoming little town, and it is a pleasure to walk around. Honestly, it is lovely, and I would definitely recommend visiting," said Mariam, a French tourist.
Beyond its touristic allure, the nomination carries a deeper mission: safeguarding a living heritage. Supporters see the UNESCO recognition as a tool to bolster conservation, while keeping future development in step with the village's enduring character.
Tunisia's Sidi Bou Said village inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List
