The 15th Beijing International Film Festival will be held in Beijing from April 18th to 26th. Beijing is not only the first screening location of Chinese films but also the shooting location for many films. Do you know where the first Chinese film was screened? Let's take a trip to the origin of films in Beijing before the Beijing International Film Festival begins, enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

Starting from the birthplace of Chinese films, stroll through the historic commercial streets of Beijing, heading southeast towards "Qianmen Xiaojiangnan." Along the way, you can taste traditional cuisine, buy unique gifts, admire distinctive architecture, and enjoy the romantic spring flowers. It's quite delightful!

Please take this Citywalk itinerary map for the film origin trip.

STOP1 - Daguanlou

Birthplace of Chinese films.

STOP2 - Dashilar

Commercial street with century-old brands gathered.

STOP3 - Beijing Fun

A cultural and commercial landmark that blends a hundred years of history with modern vitality.

STOP4 - Qianmen Dajie (St)

Famous commercial street in Beijing.

STOP5 - Xianyukou Time-honored Brand Food Street

Time-honored brand food street.

STOP6 - Beijing Print Guild Hall

Voted as one of the "Top 10 Internet Famous Check-in Spots in Beijing" in 2021.

STOP7 - Sanlihe Park

"Qianmen Xiaojiangan".

After understanding the itinerary, you can officially start our Citywalk tour.

PART.01 Daguanlou

During this year's Spring Festival, "Ne Zha 2" has frequently set new records, igniting a sense of pride in Chinese films. Do you know where the first Chinese film was born?

Standing on the commercial street of Dashilar in Beijing, the Daguanlou Cinema is the birthplace of Chinese films. It has the title of "China's First Cinema" and has been listed in the Guinness World Records for continuous screenings for 100 years without changing its original location.

In 1902, Mr. Ren Qingtai, known as the father of Chinese cinema, purchased the "Dahengxuan Theater" and transformed it into a comprehensive shopping and entertainment center named "Daguanlou," which became the best place for people's leisure at that time.

In 1905, Mr. Ren Qingtai and the Peking Opera master Mr. Tan Xinpei jointly produced China's first dramatic film "Battle of Dingjun Mountain" and screened it at Daguanlou Cinema, marking the birth of Chinese cinema.

On December 22, 2005, the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television officially designated Daguanlou Cinema as the "Birthplace of Chinese Cinema."

Today, Daguanlou Cinema is not only a movie theater but also a museum. It displays precious artifacts preserved from Daguanlou and stepping into Daguanlou Cinema allows you to experience the atmosphere of the past. This year, the Beijing International Film Festival at Daguanlou Cinema will screen 10 Peking Opera films, inviting the audience to revisit the birthplace of Chinese cinema and trace the glorious history of cinema. The specific film list for the 15th Beijing International Film Festival's "Beijing Film Panorama" is as follows:

Address: Daguanlou

PART.02 Dashilar

Dashilar is an old commercial street outside Qianmen in Beijing.

It was built during the Ming Dynasty and has thrived since the Qing Dynasty.

It is a gathering place for traditional Beijing brand stores.

In 2015, it was designated as the historical and cultural block of Dashilar in Beijing and selected as one of the first batch of historical and cultural blocks in China.

This commercial street is less than 300 meters long, but it is home to century-old brands such as Ruifuxiang, Tongrentang, Zhangyiyuan, Neiliansheng, Zhangxiaoquan, Liubiju, and others.

Address: Dashilar Xijie (W. St) Commercial Pedestrian Street

PART.03 Beijing Fun

Beijing Fun is located outside Zhengyangmen Gate.

Qianmen Historical and Cultural Conservation Area is a cultural and commercial landmark that integrates a hundred years of history and modern vitality. Beijing Fun is centered around the hundred-year-old building "Quanye Court".

Through the spatial layout of "one main street, three squares, and multiple alleys". It cleverly combines the brick and stone buildings of the Republic of China style with the pioneering atmosphere of modern design. Strolling through the cluster of buildings with Chinese characteristics, you can enjoy aerial views together, dine on the rooftop terrace of the alley, sit on the terrace overlooking the Imperial City to the north, and the alleys to the west, capturing the beautiful scenery.

PAGEONE is known as the "most beautiful bookstore in Beijing". The first floor mainly features Chinese and English books. The second floor is dedicated to lifestyle and children's reading area. The third floor offers original art books.

As spring approaches, Beijing Fun is also blooming with many flowers. Come to this open street area and enjoy the leisure and comfort of spring.

Address: Beijing Fun

PART.04 Qianmen Dajie (St)

As a very famous commercial street in Beijing, Qianmen Dajie (St) is located on the Beijing Central Axis. It starts from Qianmen Moon Bay in the north, and ends at Zhushikou in the south with a total length of 840 meters. It was known as Zhengyangmen Dajie (St) during the Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods. It was officially named Qianmen Dajie (St) in 1965 after the expansion of the outer city during the Ming Dynasty, it became a prime location in Beijing. People come and go here, and it is a gathering place for merchants. The lively and bustling scene has continued for hundreds of years.

When you come to visit Qianmen Dajie (St), you cannot miss Madame Tussauds Wax Museum where celebrities gather.

The delicious Quanjude Roast Duck is also waiting for you on Qianmen Dajie (St).

Quanjude Roast Duck, roasted over an open flame, has a rich flavor, crispy skin, tender meat, bright color, and a fragrant aroma.

When passing by Tianfu Hao and Yuanshengzhai, you might as well go in and buy some Beijing specialty souvenirs. The braised pork elbow from Tianfu Hao and the braised beef from Yuanshengzhai will make everyone at home praise you.

Here, there is also Wu Yu Tai Tea Plantation's tea-flavored ice cream, which has always been a popular product. The tea flavor is rich and natural. As the temperature in Beijing gradually rises in spring, when you are out shopping, have a tea-flavored ice cream to refresh and cool down just right.

Now, tea cookies are also available, with three flavors to choose from: jasmine tea, matcha, and roasted tea.

Address: Qianmen Dajie (St)

PART.05 Xianyukou Time-honored Brand Food Street

Xianyukou Old Brand Food Street is located on the east side of Qianmen Dajie (St), facing Dazhalan Commercial Street across the street. With a history of over 570 years, it is known as Xianyu Lane in the Ming Dynasty, named after the market selling fresh fish.

The former Xianyu Lane has now transformed into a famous food street, featuring well-known eateries such as Bianyifang, Kaorouji, Tianxingju, Jingaozhang...A wide variety of traditional Beijing delicacies can be found here.

Bianyifang's roast duck is a unique oven-roasted duck, established in the 14th year of the Ming Dynasty's Yongle era (1416). The duck is not directly exposed to flames during the cooking process. The finished product is a reddish-brown color, and the skin is shiny and crispy, while the meat is white and tender.

Kaorouji was founded in the 28th year of the Qing Dynasty's Daoguang era (1848). It is renowned for its roasted lamb. Kaorouji's roasted lamb follows traditional techniques and grilling methods. The roasted lamb is tender and juicy, without any gamy or tough taste. It is rich in fragrance and thick in taste, not greasy even after prolonged consumption.

Zha Jiang Mian at No. 69 Fangzhuan Factory won the title for six consecutive years Michelin recommended restaurant. Each bowl of Zha Jiang Mian is filled with large chunks of diced meat visible in every bite.

Free noodle refill, free sauce refill, free pickled garlic, and free chili oil.

Come here to discover your favorite exclusive way of eating.

Address: Famous Food Street at Xianyukou

PART.06 Beijing Print Guild Hall

The Beijing Print Guild Hall is a cultural relic ancient building with a history of 400 years. It was originally funded and built by merchants of pigments and tung oil from Pingyao, Shanxi. Therefore it was named Beijing Print Guild Hall. In 2021, Beijing Print Guild Hall was rated as one of the "Top Ten Internet-Famous Check-in Spots in Beijing".

Since its reopening, Beijing Print Guild Hall has hosted over 400 performances. In addition to traditional opera performances, Beijing Print Guild Hall also combines ancient architectural features to carefully create immersive productions, such as "Teahouse," "Memories of the Southern City - The Old Door God," and "Beijing Auction House," among others.

Address: Beijing Print Guild Hall

PART.07 Sanlihe Park

Do you want to see the "Jiangnan scenery" of "small bridges and flowing water" within the Second Ring Road? Turn from Qianmen Dajie (St) into Xianyukoujie (St).

Head southeast all the way, the 900-meter-long Sanlihe Park allows you to step from the hustle and bust into a quiet and beautiful world.

Sanlihe was once a drainage canal of the city moat, formed about 600 years ago, and was filled in 2016. The ancient Sanlihe water system has been restored, and the beautiful scenery of "Sanshui Lane around Front Gate" reappears. There are more than ten old Beijing hutongs on both sides and around, just stroll around, full of Beijing charm. When you get tired of walking, take a break at a café. The literary atmosphere of the café, the lively atmosphere of the hutongs, and the fragrance of blooming spring flowers are the best look of spring.

Address: Sanlihe Park

Are you excited about this Citywalk movie origin tour? Choose a nice day to set off!