Suzhou’s box office revenue reached 400 million yuan ($66.08 million) for 2013, an increase of 30 percent compared with last year, according to the Suzhou administration of culture, broadcasting, television, press & publication. Shi Lei, manager of the Suzhou Arts Cineplex, said one reason for the rise is that there are more cinemas around communities and business districts, making it easier for citizens to watch movies. In addition, there are more diverse and high-quality movies, attracting more moviegoers.

In recent years, the annual box office of Suzhou has exceeded that of Jiangxi province. In 2013, Suzhou’s box office sales from January to June increased over 40 percent from a year earlier. Due to increased attendance during summer vacation, National Day and New Year’s Day, the box office for 2013 continued to grow.

For 2013, more Cineplexes opened in Suzhou, providing more choices for citizens. Shi Lei said that Cineplex chains will serve as a development model, and community cinemas will allow film fans to see movies nearby.

Cineplexes in downtown areas, featuring leisure, entertainment and shopping, are warmly welcomed by Suzhou citizens. With the increase of cultural consumption, Suzhou Cineplexes are growing in number, size and quality. The five-star Cineplexes have become one of the highlights of Suzhou’s movie industry.

2014 will be another bumper year for Chinese films. Ten blockbusters, including The Monkey King, Gone with the Bullets and The Wolf Totem, will hit screens in 2014. China’s movie industry has grown thanks to great effort.