"It's Not the Same as Before"... PC Bangs Make a Comeback in China with Rates Soaring Thirtyfold

Rates Have Increased More Than Thirtyfold in a Decade
Rebounded to 97,000 Locations by the End of Last Year

Once considered a declining industry due to the widespread adoption of home computers—even after once captivating China's young generation—PC rooms have made a comeback.

According to local media outlets such as Zhonghua Net on October 2, PC rooms have recently transformed with bright lighting, stylish interiors, and professional e-sports equipment, resulting in hourly usage fees rising to over 10 yuan (about 2,000 won).

Photo to aid understanding of the article. Pixels.

PC Rooms, Once a Declining Industry, Signaled a Comeback Last Year

Photo to aid article understanding. Pixels.

There are regional differences, but in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, some venues now charge 30–50 yuan per hour (about 6,000 to 11,000 won), more than 30 times higher than a decade ago.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, as of the end of 2024, there were only 83,000 PC rooms nationwide, a decline of over 40% compared to the peak of 146,000 in 2011. However, by the end of last year, the number had rebounded to 97,000, drawing renewed attention to the industry.

PC rooms once flourished over 30 years ago when home computers were uncommon. But as computers and laptops became household necessities and the mobile era began, they naturally came to be seen as a declining industry.

From Internet Access Venues to E-sports Experience Spaces

Ordering food at a PC room in China. Photo by Baidu.

Recently, PC rooms have evolved from mere internet access points into professional e-sports experience venues. They now feature high-performance PCs worth tens of thousands of yuan, top-tier graphics cards, premium chairs for extended comfort, and individual booths. By providing a minimal deposit or just presenting an ID, users can enjoy professional-grade gaming gear worth thousands of yuan for free. Some venues have even introduced showers and laundry rooms to increase convenience. With an immersive environment and amenities on par with e-sports stadiums, these PC rooms are drawing more customers.

Additionally, they offer food and beverage delivery services directly to customers’ seats, enhancing satisfaction for long-term users. In private rooms designed for groups, friends can gather for meetings or play group games together.

The media point out that this phenomenon represents more than just a revival of PC rooms—it reflects their transformation into spaces for shared experiences and communication. The trend is driven both by the growing desire for venues where people can conveniently meet and enjoy leisure time outside of home, office, or school, and by a preference for high-spec experiential offerings.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.