From April 18 to 26, the 15th Beijing International Film Festival will be held in Beijing. As the first screening location of a Chinese film and a filming site for many movies, Beijing holds a special place in China's cinematic history.
Do you know where the first Chinese film was screened? Let's embark on a journey to explore the origins of Chinese cinema before the festival begins, enjoying the beautiful spring scenery along the way! Starting from the birthplace of Chinese cinema, stroll through Beijing's historic commercial streets, head southeast into the "Little Jiangnan of Qianmen," and indulge in traditional delicacies, shop for unique souvenirs, admire distinctive architecture, and enjoy the romantic spring blossoms—it's an experience not to be missed!
First, here's your Citywalk itinerary for this cinematic journey!
STOP 1 - Daguanlou
The birthplace of Chinese cinema.
STOP 2 - Dazhalan (Dashilar)
A historic commercial street home to century-old brands.
STOP 3 - Beijing Fun
A cultural and commercial landmark blending history with modern vitality.
STOP 4 - Qianmen Dajie (St)
One of Beijing's most famous shopping streets.
STOP 5 - Xianyukou Old Brand Food Street
A renowned street featuring time-honored eateries.
STOP 6 - Yanliao Guild Hall
Named one of "Beijing's Top 10 Trendy Check-in Spots" in 2021.
STOP 7 - Sanlihe Park
Known as the "Little Jiangnan of Qianmen."
Now that you know the route, let's officially begin our Citywalk adventure!
PART.01 – Daguanlou Cinema
This year's Spring Festival box office hit Nezha 2 set multiple records, igniting national pride in Chinese cinema. But do you know where the first Chinese film was born?
Standing in the bustling Dazhalan (Dashilar) commercial street, Daguanlou Cinema is recognized as the birthplace of Chinese cinema. Known as "China's First Cinema Hall," it holds a Guinness World Record for screening films continuously for over 100 years without relocating.
In 1902, Ren Qingtai, hailed as the "Father of Chinese Cinema," acquired the Dahengxuan Opera House and transformed it into a multi-purpose entertainment venue named Grand View Tower, which became a top leisure spot for locals.
In 1905, Ren Qingtai collaborated with Peking opera master Tan Xinpei to produce Dingjun Mountain, China's first-ever drama film, which premiered at Grand View Tower, marking the birth of Chinese cinema.
On December 22, 2005, the National Radio and Television Administration officially designated Grand View Tower Cinema as the "Birthplace of Chinese Cinema."
Today, Daguanlou Cinema serves not only as a movie theater but also as a museum, housing valuable historical artifacts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the legacy of early Chinese cinema.
As part of this year's Beijing International Film Festival, Daguanlou Cinema will screen 10 Peking Opera films, inviting audiences to revisit the origins of Chinese cinema and relive its glorious history.
Location: Daguanlou Cinema
PART.02 – Dazhalan (Dashilar)
Dazhalan (Dashilar) is an ancient commercial street located outside Qianmen in Beijing. Established during the Ming Dynasty and flourishing since the Qing Dynasty, it remains a vibrant center of traditional Beijing commerce.
In 2015, the Dazhalan (Dashilar) Historic and Cultural District was selected as one of China's first National Historic and Cultural Streets, preserving centuries of commercial heritage.
This commercial street, though less than 300 meters long, is home to numerous century-old brands, including REFOSIAN, Tongrentang, Zhang Yiyuan, Neiliansheng, Zhang Xiaoqian, and Liubiju, carrying forward the rich heritage of Beijing's traditional commerce.
One of the most renowned brands, Liubiju, has been producing classic Beijing-style pickled delicacies such as sweet soy preserved mustard tuber, sweet soy preserved eight-treasure gourd, sweet soy preserved eight-treasure assorted vegetables, and sweet soy preserved cucumber. These products are known for their vibrant colors, rich soy aroma, crisp texture, and well-balanced sweet and savory flavors, making them a staple in Beijing households.
Another iconic establishment, Tongrentang, was founded in 1702 (the 41st year of Emperor Kangxi's reign, Qing Dynasty). As the first-ever Tongrentang store, it has witnessed over 300 years of development, embodying the profound heritage of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Location: Dazhalan Xijie (St) Pedestrian Zone
PART.03 – Beijing Fun
Located outside Zhengyang Gate in the Qianmen Historic and Cultural Preservation Zone, Beijing Fun is a cultural and commercial landmark that seamlessly blends centuries-old heritage with contemporary vibrancy.
At the heart of Beijing Fun stands the hundred-year-old Quan Ye Chang building. The area features a unique "one main street, three plazas, and multiple hutongs" layout, where Republican-era brick and stone architecture intertwines harmoniously with modern avant-garde design.
Wandering through this distinctive architectural cluster, you can enjoy an elevated citywalk, dine on rooftop terraces nestled within the hutongs, and take in panoramic views—the Forbidden City to the north and historic hutongs to the west.
One of the most iconic spots here is the PAGEONE Bookstore, often hailed as "the most beautiful bookstore in Beijing":
First Floor – Chinese and English books
Second Floor – Lifestyle and children's reading section
Third Floor – Original art books
As spring arrives, Beijing Fun bursts into bloom, making it the perfect open-air retreat to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the season.
Location: Beijing Fun
PART.04 – Qianmen Dajie (St)
As one of Beijing's most famous commercial streets, Qianmen Dajie (St) is located on the Beijing Central Axis. It stretches 840 meters from Qianmen Moon Bay in the north to Zhushikou in the south. Historically, during the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods, the street was called Zhengyangmen Street, and in 1965, it was officially renamed Qianmen Dajie (St). After the expansion of Beijing's outer city during the Ming Dynasty, this area became a premium commercial hub, bustling with trade, where merchants gathered, and the vibrancy continued for centuries.
When visiting Qianmen Dajie (St), there are several attractions not to be missed:
Madame Tussauds Attractions, where you can meet celebrities
Quanjude Roast Duck, famous for its crispy skin, tender meat, and aromatic flavor
For a taste of Beijing's culinary delights, you must try Quanjude's roast duck, where the flame-cooked duck is served with a rich, aromatic fragrance and a crispy, golden skin.
While strolling through Tianfuhua and Yueshengzhai, make sure to pick up some traditional Beijing gifts:
Tianfuhua's Braised Pork Leg and Yueshengzhai's Braised Beef are perfect souvenirs to bring home.
Also, don't miss Wuyutai Tea, famous for its tea-flavored ice cream, which has been a popular internet sensation. With its rich tea aroma and refreshing taste, it's the perfect treat as the weather warms up in spring.
Now, you can also try their tea-flavored biscuits in flavors like Jasmine, Matcha, and Roasted Tea.
Location: Qianmen Dajie (St)
PART.05 – Xianyukou Time-honored Brand Food Street
Located to the east of Qianmen Dajie (St), across from Dazhalan Commercial Street, Xianyukou Time-honored Brand Food Street boasts a history of over 570 years. During the Ming Dynasty, it was known as Xianyuxiang due to its market that sold fresh fish.
Today, Xianyukou has transformed into a bustling food street featuring traditional Beijing delicacies from historic restaurants, including famous names like Bianyi Fang, Kaorou Ji, Tianxing Ju, and Jingao Zhang.
A wide array of traditional old Beijing delicacies can be found here.
Pianyi Fang Roast Duck stands out for its unique slow-cooked roast duck, founded in the Ming Dynasty during the 14th year of Yongle (1416). During the cooking process, the duck is not exposed to direct flames, giving it a deep reddish-brown color, with a crispy, glossy skin and tender, white meat.
Kaorou Ji, established in the 28th year of Daoguang (1848) during the Qing Dynasty, is famous for its roast lamb. The lamb is cooked using traditional techniques and grilling methods, resulting in meat that is tender, juicy, and flavorful, with no gamey taste or dryness, leaving a rich and satisfying aftertaste.
Fangzhuan Chang No.69 Fried Sauce Noodles: This restaurant has held the Michelin "Bib Gourmand" recommendation for six consecutive years. Their fried sauce noodles are made with large, tender chunks of meat, and they offer free refills of noodles, sauce, pickled garlic, and chili oil to customize your meal!
Location: Xianyukou Time-honored Brand Food Street
PART.06 – Yanliao Guild Hall
The Yanliao Guild Hall is a cultural heritage building with a history of over 400 years. It was originally funded and built by merchants from Pingyao, Shanxi, who dealt in pigments and tung oil, which is why it was named Yanliao Guild Hall.
In 2021, the Yanliao Guild Hall was recognized as one of Beijing's Top 10 Influential Landmarks.
Since reopening, the Yanliao Guild Hall has hosted over 400 performances. In addition to traditional operas, the hall has created immersive productions like "Tea House," "Memories of the South City: The Old Gatekeeper," and "Beijing Auction", providing a window for audiences from all over the world to experience Beijing's cultural richness.
The hall comprises performance spaces, a reading area (Roland Bookstore), dining options (Yueheyan), and intangible cultural heritage experiences, making it a place where visitors can enjoy classical performances, read, taste local cuisine, and participate in hands-on cultural activities.
Address: Yanliao Guild Hall
PART.07 – Sanlihe Park
Want to enjoy "Jiangnan scenery" with "small bridges and flowing water" inside the second ring road?
From Qianmen Dajie (St), turn into Xianyukou Jie (St), head southeast, and you will find the 900-meter-long Sanlihe Park, where the hustle and bustle of the city fades away, offering a tranquil escape into a beautiful world.
Sanlihe was originally a drainage channel of the city's moat, formed around 600 years ago. It was later filled in, but in 2016, the ancient Sanlihe water system was restored, bringing back the picturesque view of "Three Water Lanes surrounding Qianmen". The park is surrounded by more than ten traditional Beijing alleys (Hutongs), where a casual stroll will immerse you in the rich local culture. If you get tired, stop by one of the cafés for a break. The artistic atmosphere of the cafés, the lively vibe of the Hutongs, and the fragrance of spring flowers combine to create the "most beautiful" view of spring.
Address: Sanlihe Park
Does this Citywalk journey through the origins of cinema excite you? Choose a good day and embark on this adventure!
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: FENG Haoxuan
