Avatar 3 holds its Chinese premiere in Sanya on Dec 8. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

The Chinese premiere of Avatar 3 was held in Sanya on Dec 8, as a key event of the seventh Hainan Island International Film Festival.

The renowned director James Cameron and actress Zoe Saldana attended their first city appearance for the event. They were accompanied by a Chinese voice cast that included actors such as Zhang Ziyi, Sun Li, Deng Chao, and Huang Xuan.

At the premiere, Cameron and his team revealed details about the film's new adventures, promising to expand Pandora's wonders, include encounters with the fierce "Ash People”, and showcase an epic conflict between civilizations. They emphasized the groundbreaking visual effects and immersive experience designed to push the limits of filmmaking.

The Chinese actors also shared a strong connection to the film's main themes of respecting nature and family ties, which deeply resonated with the audience.

The film is scheduled for a synchronized release in Chinese mainland and North America on Dec 19. The event was attended by senior officials from The Walt Disney Company (China), as well as representatives from Hainan provincial and Sanya municipal governments, along with China's film authorities and major distributors.