The 2024 National Day box office, including presales, surpassed 1.7 billion yuan (around 240 million U.S. dollars) as of 19:45 on Saturday, the fifth day of the seven-day holiday, according to online data.
This year's films feature a wide range of themes, including sci-fi, anti-child trafficking dramas, patriotism, and traditional Chinese dance culture, catering to diverse audience preferences.
"The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death," the latest directorial work by Chen Kaige, is currently leading the holiday box office charts with earnings exceeding 600 million yuan (85 million U.S. dollars) as of 11:00 Saturday.
As the second installment of Chen's trilogy "The Volunteers", an epic that chronicles the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53), the 144-minute new movie recounts a pivotal battle in Cheorwon, where 25,000 Chinese People's Volunteer Army (CPVA) soldiers engaged around 50,000 United States-led "United Nations Command" forces in 1951.
"The special effects and scene design of this movie are truly stunning! Each battle makes you feel as if you were right there, experiencing the brutality of war and the heroism of the CPVA soldiers," said Zhou Peihui, an audience member from the eastern Chinese city of Nanchang.
"The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru," a documentary on the heroic rescue of British prisoners of war by Chinese fishermen during World War II, continues to attract many viewers during the National Day period, even though it has been in theaters for nearly a month.
"Whether it’s the actors, the storyline, or the filming techniques, I find them all very engaging," said Ms. Yin, an audience member in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.
In addition, films such as the crime drama "Tiger Wolf Rabbit," the action film "High Forces", and Jackie Chan's action-comedy "Panda Plan" have also performed well at the box office, well-received by audiences.
National Day holiday box office exceeds 1.7 bln yuan
National Day holiday box office exceeds 1.7 bln yuan
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
