Prepare to immerse yourself in cinematic marvels as you step into the dynamic ambiance of the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival, or SIFF, being held on June 14-23 in the Huangpu district of Shanghai.

Here are some golden city walking routes to optimize your city promenades and film festival experience in the district.

 

1. The Grand Theatre

The Grand Theatre is a notable theater that has hosted a raft of head-turning premieres, such as the Oscar-nominated 1993 film Farewell My Concubine.

A view of the lineup of the Grand Theatre for this year's Shanghai International Film Festival. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Address: No 216 West Nanjing Road

Transportation: Easily accessible via Metro Line 1, Line 2, or Line 8 at People's Square Station Exit 9. Buses No 454, 20, 37, 805 and 330.

Nearby travel recommendations:

Stroll down Huanghe Road, just a quick five-minute jaunt from the Grand Theatre, where you'll discover a range of popular spots featured in the acclaimed TV series Blossoms Shanghai, including the renowned Tai Sheng Yuan Restaurant.

Nestling at the crossroads of Huanghe Road and West Nanjing Road, the Park Hotel stands tall as a timeless Shanghai landmark. While you're in the area, be sure to indulge in the delectable sugar-coated butterfly pastries that it's famous for.

Breathe in the charms of bygone days by exploring classic dining establishments like Xing Hua Lou and Godly along Huanghe Road, where you can truly savor an authentic local culinary experience.

 

2. Peace Cinema

The Peace Cinema serves as the first commercially operated IMAX theater in Shanghai. It features a lineup of over 40 films hailing from diverse countries such as Japan, France, and Spain, running from June 14 to June 23 as part of this year's SIFF.

Address: No 290 Middle Xizang Road, near Hankou Road

Transportation: Conveniently situated near People's Square Station, Metro Line 1, Line 2 and Line 8 – with easy access via buses No 18, 49, 167, 312, 318 and 451.

Nearby travel recommendations:

The renowned Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is conveniently located just a brief five-minute stroll from the Peace Cinema. Here, revered brands like Shanghai First Foodhall, as well as restaurants Shen Da Cheng Sunya Cantonese Restaurant and Shao Wan Sheng converge – offering not only a delightful opportunity to savor Shanghai's distinctive flavors, post-movie indulgence, but also a prime destination for buying gifts for loved ones.

Moreover, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street boasts an array of flagship stores that are must-visits. These include Huawei's global flagship store, LEGO's inaugural city center flagship store in Asia, Dior's premier boutique flagship store in China, Nike's worldwide flagship store and Pop Mart's global flagship store.

 

3. Huangpu Theatre

In 1935, the national anthem The March of the Volunteers was first sung in the Huangpu Theatre and it was once affectionately called the "Palace of National Films". It showcases over 20 films originating from different countries like Italy, Malaysia, and the United States, screening from June 14 to June 23 as part of this year's SIFF.

Address: No 780 East Beijing Road (near Guizhou Road)

Transportation: Reachable via Metro Line 1, Line 2, or Line 8 at People's Square Station Exit 5, 6, 7, or 19. Buses No 187, 537, 538, 61, 8, 942, 758, 966, etc.

Nearby travel recommendations:

Visit the Great World (Dashijie) for a mix of drama, gastronomic delights and late-night snacks.

Savor crabmeat noodles and crab meat xiaolongbao (steamed buns) at the Ji Chang Xing Restaurant and explore the historic charm of Bund 27.

 

4. Lyceum Theatre

The Lyceum Theatre is where Peking Opera maestro Mei Lanfang (1894-1961) performed, and it remains a top venue today. It presents a selection of over 40 films from various countries, including Japan, Denmark, and Ireland, screening from June 14 to June 23 as part of this year's SIFF.

Address: No 57 South Maoming Road

Transportation: Located near South Shaanxi Road Station, Metro Line 1, Line 10 and Line 12 – with easy access via buses No 146, 26, 24, 104, 41, 955, 920, 926 and more.

Nearby travel recommendations:

Delight your palate on Jinxian Road with authentic local cuisine and nationally popular snacks.

 

5. Cathay Theatre

Many literary giants - including writers Lu Xun (1881-1936) and Eileen Chang (1920-95) - used to watch films at the Cathay Theatre.

A view of the lineup of the Cathay Theatre for this year's Shanghai International Film Festival. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Address: No 870 Middle Huaihai Road

Transportation: Easily accessible via Metro Line 1, 10, 12 at Shaanxi South Road Station, Exit 3. Buses No 146, 96, 41 and more.

Nearby travel recommendations:

Unwind at Shala cafe and explore Middle Huaihai Road for a fusion of trend-setting stores and traditional Shanghai brands.

Relish classic Western dishes at the Red House Restaurant, across the street from the Cathay Theatre.

You can also stroll over to the Guang Ming Cun Restaurant at No 588 Middle Huaihai Road to savor a meal of local dishes in thick oils and sauces, as well as long-established stores along the way, which are good choices to shop for souvenirs.

 

6. Shanghai Science and Technology Cinema

This downtown movie theater is known for its top performance. It showcases a lineup of more than 30 films from diverse countries such as Australia, Singapore, Colombia, and Mexico, running from June 14 to June 23 as part of this year's SIFF.

Address: 3F, Sinan Building, Science Hall, No 59 Nanchang Road

Transportation: Reachable via Metro Line 1, Line 10 and Line 12 at Middle Huaihai Road Station, Exit 1. Buses No 146, 167, 198, 42, 911 Interval, 911, 920, etc.

Nearby travel recommendations:

Stroll along Nanchang Road to discover historical edifices, celebrity residences and unique stores offering diverse experiences.

The Sinan Mansions, established in the 1920s, features historic garden houses along Middle Fuxing Road. The Sinan Open Air Museum displays exhibits without an admission fee, offering QR code-enabled audio guides on notable past residents.

 

7. UME Cinema

UME Cinema boasts the largest Onyx theater in Shanghai.

A view of the lineup of the UME Cinema for this year's Shanghai International Film Festival. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Address: 5F, Xintiandi Style I, No 6 Lane 123, Xingye Road

Transportation: Exit 6 of the Site of the First CPC National Congress - Xintiandi Railway Station of Metro Line 10 and Line 13. Buses No 146, 109, 932, 24, 781, etc.

Nearby travel recommendations:

Explore the Xintiandi area for global culinary delights and visit the Memorial of the First CPC National Congress for a journey into the past.

 

Source: "shhplyj" WeChat account