CultureTaiwan’s adult film industry: How China’s market fueled a boom

Taiwan’s adult film industry expanded rapidly around 2020. Performers said more than 20 production companies were operating at its peak, making 180 to 300 titles a month; scholars estimate the related entertainment sector was worth NT$20 billion. After major producer Madou Media suddenly shut down in 2026, people in the industry said demand from China, online gambling ads and gray-market funds may have contributed to the boom. With funding receding and a leading company gone, the sector faces major challenges. BBC Chinese spoke with performers, directors, production staff and scholars about its rise, changes and problems amid a lack of clear regulation.