Film Tourism Fuels China's Economy

China's film industry is experiencing a significant boost through an emerging trend of film tourism, a government-supported initiative aimed at revitalizing the domestic economy. This 'film-plus' strategy has led to notable increases in tourism to various provinces and cities that have served as filming locations for popular movies. For instance, the film 'Pegasus 3' drove a 71 percent surge in hotel bookings in Delingha, Qinghai province, during the Lunar New Year holiday. More recently, the box office hit 'Dear You' has doubled flight bookings to Shantou, Chaozhou, and Jieyang in Guangdong province.

The 'film-plus' movement encompasses campaigns like 'Taste Cuisine with Films' and 'Shopping with Films,' actively promoted by local and national tourism authorities. The Shanghai International Film Festival is also highlighting this phenomenon with its program, 'Grand Landscape: A Cinematic Portrait of China,' which showcases classic films alongside the scenic locations where they were shot. This initiative aims to present a geographical history of Chinese cinema, celebrating cultural diversity and filmmakers' legacies across distinct regions.

Reports from China's state-run media emphasize the economic impact of this trend, with a China Film Administration report indicating that each yuan earned at the domestic box office generates 15.77 yuan for related industries, with tourism being a primary beneficiary. This creative synergy between cinema and travel is proving to be a powerful tool for economic recovery and cultural promotion within China, showcasing the nation's beauty and stories through its cinematic heritage.