Paris 2024 | Watching Olympics in cinema a new Chinese trend

(ECNS) -- “Experiencing the Olympics in the cinema for the first time was incredible — the atmosphere was fantastic. We prayed, cheered, and shouted together, as if we were right there,” a netizen shared via Chinese social media on Wednesday, recalling her experience watching the 2024 Paris Olympics table tennis mixed doubles final.

Last month, China Film Group announced an exclusive partnership with state broadcaster CCTV, through which the group will provide real-time screening services to over 800 cinemas nationwide, allowing Chinese audiences to watch the Olympics live in cinemas for the first time.

Live broadcast content includes the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paris Olympics and 20 events featuring table tennis, badminton, diving, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and more.

According to online platform data, the cumulative box office for the Paris Olympics opening ceremony exceeded 1.37 million yuan (about $190,000), with over 34,000 attendees. Young people aged 25 to 29 were the main audience, and second-tier cities contributed the most, accounting for nearly half of the box office total.

In Beijing, for example, China News Network found the ticket prices for watching the men's table tennis singles bronze medal match and final on Sunday generally range from 30 to 70 yuan, with nearly 20 cinemas open for viewing. A minimum number of attendees is required for the screenings to proceed. Some sessions require at least 30 people to start, while others need only 6, with different cinemas having varying conditions for opening.

“Watching a table tennis match in the cinema for the first time with friends who, though strangers, share a love for table tennis, sports, and support for China was a new experience,” said a netizen named LL on social media platform Xiaohongshu.

“The atmosphere was truly amazing; everyone cheered for their wins and felt regret for their losses. People brought various support items, and one incredibly thoughtful super fan even ordered a cake! Sharing the joy of victory with everyone was absolutely wonderful!” she added.