Beijing

๐ŸŽฌ

Cinemas and Theaters

Sections

1. Cinemas in Beijing

Popular Cinemas

  1. China Film Archive Art Cinema (ไธญๅ›ฝ็”ตๅฝฑ่ต„ๆ–™้ฆ†่‰บๆœฏๅฝฑ้™ข)

    • Overview: Known for its focus on classic and art films, this cinema is a haven for cinephiles. It often screens rare Chinese films, retrospectives, and international film festivals.
    • Location: 3 Wenhuiyuan Road, Haidian District.
    • Ticket Prices: Around ยฅ30โ€“ยฅ80 depending on the film and event.
    • Language Considerations: Many films are in Mandarin with Chinese subtitles. International films may have English subtitles.
    • How to Get There: Take Subway Line 10 to Zhichunli Station and walk about 10 minutes.

  2. UME International Cineplex (UMEๅ›ฝ้™…ๅฝฑๅŸŽ)

    • Overview: A modern cinema chain offering the latest blockbusters, including Hollywood films and Chinese hits.
    • Popular Locations: UME Huaxing (near Workersโ€™ Stadium) and UME Shuangjing.
    • Ticket Prices: ยฅ50โ€“ยฅ120 depending on the time and type of screening (e.g., IMAX, 3D).
    • Language Considerations: Hollywood films are often shown in English with Chinese subtitles. Chinese films typically do not have English subtitles.
    • How to Get There: UME Shuangjing is accessible via Subway Line 10, Shuangjing Station.

  3. Beijing Broadway Cinematheque (็™พ่€ๆฑ‡็”ตๅฝฑไธญๅฟƒ)

    • Overview: A favorite for indie and arthouse films, as well as international film festivals.
    • Location: 1/F, Paradise Walk Mall, Dongzhimen.
    • Ticket Prices: ยฅ50โ€“ยฅ100.
    • Language Considerations: International films often have English subtitles, while Chinese films may not.
    • How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 13 to Dongzhimen Station.

  4. CGV Cinemas (CGVๅฝฑๅŸŽ)

    • Overview: A South Korean cinema chain offering a premium movie-going experience with comfortable seating and gourmet snacks.
    • Popular Locations: CGV Indigo Mall (Jiangtai) and CGV Wangjing.
    • Ticket Prices: ยฅ60โ€“ยฅ150 depending on the format (e.g., 4DX, IMAX).
    • Language Considerations: Similar to UME, Hollywood films are in English with Chinese subtitles.
    • How to Get There: CGV Indigo Mall is accessible via Subway Line 14, Jiangtai Station.

Booking Procedures

  • Online Platforms: Use apps like Maoyan (็Œซ็œผ) or Taopiaopiao (ๆท˜็ฅจ็ฅจ) to book tickets. These apps are in Chinese, so you may need translation tools or assistance.
  • At the Venue: Tickets can also be purchased at the cinema box office, but popular screenings may sell out quickly.
  • Payment: Most cinemas accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, and major credit cards.

Cultural Tips

  • Arrive early to find your seat and enjoy the pre-show advertisements, which are often entertaining.
  • Avoid talking during the movie, as it is considered rude.
  • Bring your own snacks if you prefer, but note that some cinemas may check bags.

2. Theaters in Beijing

Popular Theaters

  1. National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA, ๅ›ฝๅฎถๅคงๅ‰ง้™ข)

    • Overview: Known as "The Egg" due to its iconic architecture, the NCPA hosts world-class performances, including operas, ballets, symphonies, and traditional Chinese theater.
    • Location: 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng District.
    • Ticket Prices: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ2,000 depending on the performance and seating.
    • Types of Shows: Western operas, Chinese traditional operas, classical music concerts, and international touring productions.
    • Language Considerations: Most performances are in their original language, with Chinese and sometimes English subtitles.
    • How to Get There: Take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen West Station.

  2. Beijing People's Art Theatre (ๅŒ—ไบฌไบบๆฐ‘่‰บๆœฏๅ‰ง้™ข)

    • Overview: A prestigious venue for Chinese plays, particularly modern and contemporary works.
    • Location: 22 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District.
    • Ticket Prices: ยฅ80โ€“ยฅ500.
    • Language Considerations: Performances are in Mandarin, with no subtitles.
    • How to Get There: Take Subway Line 1 to Wangfujing Station.

  3. Poly Theatre (ไฟๅˆฉๅ‰ง้™ข)

    • Overview: A major venue for international and domestic performances, including musicals, ballets, and symphonies.
    • Location: 14 Dongzhimen South Street, Dongcheng District.
    • Ticket Prices: ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ1,500.
    • Language Considerations: Performances vary in language; check in advance.
    • How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 to Dongzhimen Station.

  4. Huguang Guild Hall (ๆน–ๅนฟไผš้ฆ†)

    • Overview: A historic venue for Peking Opera, offering an authentic cultural experience.
    • Location: 3 Hufang Road, Xicheng District.
    • Ticket Prices: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ500.
    • Types of Shows: Traditional Peking Opera with elaborate costumes and live music.
    • Language Considerations: Performances are in Mandarin, but the visual spectacle is universally appreciated.
    • How to Get There: Take Subway Line 7 to Hufangqiao Station.

Booking Procedures

  • Online Platforms: Damai (ๅคง้บฆ็ฝ‘) is the go-to platform for theater tickets. It is in Chinese, so assistance may be needed.
  • At the Venue: Tickets can also be purchased at the box office, but popular shows may sell out.
  • Payment: Alipay, WeChat Pay, and credit cards are widely accepted.

Cultural Tips

  • Dress appropriately for the occasion. Formal attire is recommended for high-profile performances at venues like the NCPA.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early to find your seat and settle in.
  • Applause is customary at the end of performances, and standing ovations are becoming more common for exceptional shows.

3. Unique and Iconic Locations

  1. The Red Theatre (็บขๅ‰งๅœบ)

    • Overview: Famous for its nightly performances of "The Legend of Kung Fu," a spectacular show combining martial arts, acrobatics, and dance.
    • Location: 44 Xingfu Street, Dongcheng District.
    • Ticket Prices: ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ800.
    • Language Considerations: Narration is in English and Mandarin.
    • How to Get There: Take Subway Line 5 to Tiantandongmen Station.

  2. Mei Lanfang Theatre (ๆข…ๅ…ฐ่Šณๅคงๅ‰ง้™ข)

    • Overview: Dedicated to Peking Opera, this theater is named after the legendary performer Mei Lanfang.
    • Location: 32 Pingโ€™anli West Street, Xicheng District.
    • Ticket Prices: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ600.
    • Language Considerations: Performances are in Mandarin, but the artistry transcends language barriers.
    • How to Get There: Take Subway Line 4 to Pingโ€™anli Station.

4. Accessibility

  • Cinemas: Most modern cinemas are wheelchair accessible, but itโ€™s best to call ahead to confirm.
  • Theaters: Major venues like the NCPA and Poly Theatre are equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible seating. Smaller venues may have limited accessibility.

5. Language Considerations

  • Subtitles: Hollywood films often have Chinese subtitles, while Chinese films rarely have English subtitles. Theaters like the NCPA may provide English subtitles for certain performances.
  • Apps: Use translation apps like Pleco or Google Translate to navigate ticket booking and signage.

6. Transportation Tips

  • Beijingโ€™s subway system is the most efficient way to reach cinemas and theaters. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are also convenient but may face traffic delays.
  • Plan your route in advance, especially for evening shows, as public transport may be crowded.

By exploring Beijingโ€™s cinemas and theaters, youโ€™ll gain a deeper appreciation for both its modern entertainment and traditional culture. Enjoy your time in the city!