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The Shanghai International Film Festival opened on June 14 and will continue until June 23, inviting moviegoers to attend a 10-day cinematic celebration.

Movies have deeply integrated into Shanghai society. Stroll through this magical metropolis, a blend of retro and modern, to explore a treasure trove of fantastic movie theaters. Online travel agency Ctrip, in collaboration with the Shanghai International Film Festival, has created a guide map covering some of the most famous theaters in the city. 

Huangpu District 

Huangpu district, known as the "heart, window, and name card" of Shanghai, is home to many of the city's historically renowned theaters.

The Lyceum Theatre is one of the oldest Western-style theaters in modern Chinese history, serving as a trendsetter in Old Shanghai. 

Lyceum Theatre. [Photo/Ctrip.com]

Watch an old movie at the Cathay Cinema on Middle Huaihai Road, which is a historical landmark that has witnessed the golden age of Chinese cinema.

The Grand Cinema, known as the "First Cinema in the Far East", stands on West Nanjing Road (formerly 50 Jing'an Temple Road). This cinema is most famously known for hosting the premiere of Farewell My Concubine (1993).

Jing’an District 

Jing'an district stands as a vibrant tapestry of history and modernity. With Jing'an Temple as its centerpiece, numerous theaters and cinemas are nestle amidst elegant European architecture and quaint shikumen stone-gate houses, whispering tales of time gone by.

The Majestic Theatre. [Photo/thepaper.cn]

On Jiangning Road, the Majestic Theatre remains as one of the few theaters in Shanghai to retain its old "Grand Theatre" designation. Adjacent to it, the Zhangyuan Garden, hailed as Shanghai's "No 1 Garden", adds another layer to the district's historical charm.

Zhangyuan Garden. [Photo/Ctrip.com]

On East Luochuan Road, the historic Hubei Cinema attracts many tourists with its rich Shanghai style.

The Bona UA Cinema on West Nanjing Road is adjacent to the Seymour Villa, which is famous for its "Juliet's Balcony".

Seymour Villa. [Photo/Ctrip.com]

The Huanying Cinema on Hutai Road and the Palace Cinema on Jiangchang Road have more modern facilities, ensuring comfort for movie-goers.

Xuhui District 

Xuhui district lies in the southwestern part of Shanghai, and emanates a unique charm with its picturesque riverside views. As you stroll through the area, not only will you experience its artistic and cultural atmosphere, but you can also visit its enchanting movie theaters.

The Duoyunxuan Dolby Atmos Cinema on Tianyueqiao Road is not just a fantastic place to watch movies; it also incorporates various cultural spaces, such as a museum, art gallery, and an intangible cultural heritage exhibition center. Visitors can have a comprehensive cultural experience all in one location. 

After watching a movie, you can also visit the nearby Longhua Temple to pray for good fortune and savor some vegetarian noodles.

Longhua Temple. [Photo/Ctrip.com]

Take a stroll along Wukang Road, where the Palace Cinema is located. This cinema offers an immersive cinematic experience with its newly upgraded IMAX laser projection system.

The Pathé Records Building. [Photo/Ctrip.com]

The neighboring Pathé Records Building was the first major record company in China. It was also a launching pad for a multitude of aspiring stars.

Pudong New Area 

Pudong New Area, a district brimming with modern energy, boasts captivating movie theaters that transport audiences to a cyberpunk future.

The SFC Shangying Cinema, nestled at the intersection of Dingxiang Road and Xinjinqiao Road, draws countless moviegoers with its unique charm. The cinema is not only a fantastic place to watch movies, but also popular venues for movie promotion events and celebrity appearances.

The Orange Sky Golden Harvest Cinema in Century Park stands out with its modern and chic décor. The spacious interior, with its clever blend of white, gold, and dark brown tones, creates a simple yet stylish cosmopolitan atmosphere. The nearby 1192 "Old Shanghai" Street offers visitors the perfect opportunity to savor trending fashion and art.

The 1192 "Old Shanghai" Street. [Photo/Ctrip.com]

For a taste of Shanghai's historical ambiance, visit the Sinan Mansions, a historic site where French and Republic of China architecture harmoniously blend together. The vintage charm of this site spills from every brick and mortar, transporting you back to Shanghai in the 1920s.

Sinan Mansions. [Photo/Ctrip.com]

After soaking in the historical charm, head to the Moller Villa near the Shanghai Shopping Mall Theater. While not a cinema, it is dubbed the "Hogwarts" of downtown Shanghai. This three-story Scandinavian-style villa resembles a fairytale castle that is straight out of a movie.

The Moller Villa. [Photo/mollervilla.com]

For cinephiles that are weary from all the walking, Huanghe Road Food Street near the Grand Cinema is a delightful rest area. As you take a break, be sure to recharge with some culinary delights that have been featured in the hit TV series Blossoms Shanghai.

Source: "Shanghai International Film Festival" WeChat account