China's cultural film tourism sector has reached new milestones during the recent National Day holiday period, driven by the blockbuster success of The Volunteers: Peace at Last. The final installment of the war-themed trilogy grossed 485 million yuan ($68 million) since its September 30 release, dominating box-office charts and earning an 87.2 satisfaction score from audiences.
The film's success caps a historic run for the trilogy, which has now collectively surpassed 2.5 billion yuan in total revenue. Industry analysts note the production's blend of historical storytelling and cinematic spectacle has revitalized interest in cultural heritage sites featured throughout the series.
"This trend demonstrates how quality filmmaking can drive both economic growth and cultural preservation," said a Shanghai-based entertainment analyst. The phenomenon has sparked increased investment in film-related tourism infrastructure across the Chinese mainland, with several provinces developing themed travel routes tied to the trilogy's narrative locations.
For business professionals, the figures signal expanding opportunities in China's creative industries, while academics highlight the trilogy's role in shaping contemporary interpretations of historical events. The sustained popularity also reflects growing global interest in Asian cinematic storytelling, particularly among diaspora communities seeking cultural connections.
