Box office revenue in Xiangzhou District reached 3.5 million yuan ($510,000) in the month since local theaters resumed operations on July 25, but seating, ticket, and eating arrangements have changed.

Sixteen movie venues across the district had returned to business as of Aug 26, accounting for 82.1 percent of the city's total gate receipts. The five others in the district remain closed due to business adjustments or expired leases.

Movie theaters regain popularity [Photo courtesy Guanhai App]

Upon receiving approval to reopen, the theaters have cleaned and disinfected air-conditioners and seats. The number of movies being screened daily is half that of normal circumstances, while seating occupancy is held below 50 percent.

Spectators must purchase tickets online in advance. Those without facial masks or with a body temperature above 37.3 degrees Celsius are forbidden entry. Eating is prohibited within the cinema, and spectators should keep more than 1 m (3 ft) apart.

From July 25 to Aug 19, Zhuhai recorded 134,900 moviegoers who generated 4.27 million yuan ($622,000) in box office revenue.