The Chinese entertainment industry is one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative industries in the world. With its wide array of TV, film, and music productions, the Chinese entertainment industry is making an impact on the global stage in a big way. From the ancient traditions found in Chinese theater to the modern-day dominance of Chinese movies and television shows in international markets, Chinese entertainment has come a long way. This article will explore the world of Chinese entertainment – its history, its success, and its influences around the world.
A Brief History of Chinese Entertainment
The beginnings of Chinese entertainment lie in the traditions cultivated over thousands of years. Chinese entertainment has its roots in the ancient theatrical performances, painting, and music of China. These ancient performances had strong influence from the culture, mythology and philosophy of China, and were enjoyed by all the people.
One of the most important theatrical traditions of China is Beijing Opera, or Jingju, a colorful and highly stylized performance incorporating singing, dancing, acrobatics, martial arts, music and costume. This operatic form of performance is still popular in China today and is beloved by audiences around the world.
The rise of film, television and music in the 20th century laid the foundation for the flourishing entertainment industry that exists in China today. In the 1950s, the Chinese government began to support the filmmaking industry in an effort to promote culture and nationalism. This push for the film industry laid the groundwork for China’s impressive collection of feature films today. Meanwhile, Chinese television and music became hugely popular in China, and abroad, as the 2000s came around.
The Success of the Chinese Entertainment Industry
Today, the Chinese entertainment industry is a juggernaut that is admired and respected around the world. From its box office successes to its highly sought-after gaming apps, China’s entertainment industry has become a global power.
The Chinese film industry has been breaking records and winning awards in recent years. In 2015, the Chinese box office saw unprecedented success, with an increase of 48.7% from the previous year. In 2017, the worldwide box office total for Chinese films reached an astounding total of $8.6billion. This is thanks to blockbuster hits such as Wolf Warrior 2, and iQiyi’s online theatres, which account for thousands of screens in China alone.
On the television front, Chinese dramas have become hugely popular in East Asia and beyond. This push for internationalization of Chinese TV shows has been supported by the Chinese government, with state-backed television networks investing heavily in exporting drama series, reality shows and sports.
Most recently, the Chinese entertainment industry has seen success in the gaming world, with popular gaming apps such as Tencent and NetEase dominating China’s mobile gaming market. Tencent’s Honour of Kings has become a global sensation, with more than 200 million active users logging onto the app every day.
Innovations in Chinese Entertainment
The Chinese entertainment sector has been pushing boundaries and developing in fascinating ways. Chinese actors are starring in big-budget Hollywood movies, such as Scottish actor Liu Yifei in the 2019 remake of Mulan. Likewise, Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, starring Simu Liu as its title role, is another example of Hollywood embracing Chinese culture and talent. Meanwhile, other countries are taking notice of China’s influence in entertainment, with Korean dramas, music and film incorporating Mandarin co-productions to appeal to the broad Chinese market.
The world of film is also seeing exciting new technologies and approaches to entertainment. IMAX theaters, with their immersive movie-watching experiences, are highly popular in China with over 250 IMAX theatres in more than 100 cities. Furthermore, the Chinese film sector is experimenting with technologies such as 3D and 4K capabilities, as well as virtual reality experiences.
It’s no wonder that the Chinese entertainment industry is being lauded around the world. It has a strong tradition of storytelling and entertainment that has been embraced and adapted for modern audiences. With its massive successes in film, television and gaming, Chinese entertainment is taking the world by storm. With its diverse range of culture and influence, the Chinese entertainment industry is a powerhouse that is sure to continue its success for years to come.