Private Cinemas Raided Across China for Paid Escort Services

Police across China have cracked down on private cinemas offering illegal paid companionship.

In Xi'an, four operators were criminally detained and three staff members administratively punished. In Sanya, one operator was criminally detained, and three staff were administratively sanctioned. In Chengdu, two cinemas were shut down, and eight people faced administrative penalties following undercover inspections.

Authorities called it a major strike against illicit entertainment services.

These crackdowns come after undercover visits revealed that some private cinemas had strayed far from legitimate operations.

In Xi'an, some cinemas openly offered overnight stays and paid female companionship, with prices starting in the hundreds of yuan. Visitors who only wanted to watch films were turned away. In Chengdu, hidden rooms and suggestive "games" hinted at more explicit services, while in Sanya, ads listed increasingly risqué packages tied to higher fees.

This year, Chengdu police conducted three rounds of inspections covering over 20 private cinemas, uncovering violations including failure to register overnight guests and the provision of paid companionship. Authorities emphasized that such practices not only breach entertainment regulations but may constitute criminal offenses.

Chinese law strictly forbids profit-driven companionship in entertainment venues, with deeper sexual transactions treated as crimes. Police across the three cities have pledged zero tolerance, urging all operators to comply with the law and maintain lawful business practices.