Multiplexes Move In

As Chinese cinema celebrates its centenary, Beijing’s cinema scene has never been more vibrant. Film clubs and modern cinemas have sprung up all around the city in recent times, making moviegoing an increasingly attractive entertainment option.

Established venues like the Dahua, Zhong and Dongchuang cinemas have been refurbished, while more recently modern multiplexes have appeared in the shape of Star City Cinema, Sun Dong An Cinema and UME Huaxing International Cinema. These mainly serve a diet of Hollywood and Hong Kong blockbusters, with the former shown in original English-language versions at certain screenings.

Independent film clubs are also flourishing. The best known among the expat community is the long-running Cherry Lane Movies, which shows Mainland productions subtitled in English.  

Star City Cinema

新世纪影院

In operation since 2003, Star City Cinema is the latest high-quality cinema to wow Beijing audiences. With five multi-function auditoriums and private screening room, Star City attracts large numbers to its Oriental Plaza complex. Besides watching films, the cinema spaces are now in vogue as venues for product launches and birthday celebrations. With digital sound and extra-width chairs, Star City Cinema seats 812.

B1, Oriental Plaza, 1 Dong Chang’an Jie, Wangfujing Dajie

王府井大街东方广场地下一层

Tel: +86 10 8518 6778

Open: 9 a.m.­- 12 p.m.

Sun Dong An Cinema

新东安影城

Beijing’s first joint-venture cinema, Sun Dong An is a particular favourite. With chairs easily converted into sofas by collapsing arms, comfort is a priority! Sun Dong An seats 238.

5/F, Sun Dong An Plaza, Wangfujing Dajie

王府井大街新东安市场五层

Tel: +86 10 6528 1988

WWW: http://www.beijingfilm.net

UME Huaxing International Cinema

华星国际影城

With five auditoriums, showing foreign films on screens 2 and 3. Seats are fully adjustable with angle and height preferences available. Seats and aisle entrances are designed to accommodate wheelchair access. There is a membership scheme and a number of food outlets, including Pizza Hut, Subway and DQ, as well as cafés in the cinema complex. For the aficionado, a film poster store sells a wide selection of film favourites on the fourth floor. UME Huaxing International seats 1200.

Opposite Shuang’an Shopping Center, North Third Ring Road

海淀区北三环西路双安商场对面

For advance booking, call

Tel: +86 10 8267 5118

WWW: http://www.bjume.com

Cherry Lane Movies

A cinema that showcases Chinese films with English subtitles, Cherry Lane is a favourite for foreigners most Friday and Saturdays. Introducing contemporary Chinese life through cinema, Cherry Lane frequently stages informal forums with directors and actors after a film showing. Cherry Lane meets at the Peking Opera Photo Studio, 29 Liangmaqiao Lu, next to Lee’s Antique Carpet shop.

Inside Kent Center, Anjialou, Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District

朝阳区亮马桥路安家楼肯特中心院内

Tel: +86 10 139 0113 4745

WWW: http://www.cherrylanemovies.com.cn

Italian and Mexican Film

The Cultural Offices of the Italian and Mexican Embassies show Italian and Mexican movies with English subtitles on selected dates every month. Entrance is free.

For further information, please contact:

Italian Embassy Cultural Office

2, Sanlitun Dongerjie, Chaoyang District

朝阳区三里屯东二街2号

Tel: +86 10 6532 2178

Mexican Embassy Cultural Office

朝阳区三里屯东五街5号

Tel: +86 10 6532 2244