China’s cultural and tourism sectors are merging storytelling with exploration through the newly launched "China Movie Consumption Year" campaign. The initiative, which began in April, encourages audiences to experience cinematic narratives firsthand by visiting filming locations across the country.
Riding the Film Tourism Wave
On April 19, over 100 international tourists from Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries boarded the "Yichun" special train in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. The journey connects iconic film sites with regional cultural landmarks, offering participants an immersive blend of entertainment and education. "This isn’t just about watching stories—it’s about stepping into them," said a local cultural officer involved in organizing the tour.
Economic and Cultural Synergy
The campaign aligns with efforts to boost domestic tourism while showcasing China’s diverse regions to global travelers. Analysts note that such initiatives could strengthen soft diplomacy by fostering cross-cultural understanding. A Malaysian participant shared, "Seeing these landscapes after watching films set here adds layers to how we connect with China’s heritage."
Future Screen-to-Reality Itineraries
Plans are underway to expand themed tours to other provinces, with coordinated events like film forums and regional culinary showcases. The program also aims to highlight cooperation between Asian countries and regions through shared cinematic projects.
