The 15th Beijing International Film Festival will take place from April 18 to 26. Ahead of the event, join us for a special Citywalk tour to explore the origin of cinema in Beijing.

STOP 1: Daguanlou Cinema

Located on Dashilan Commercial Street in Beijing, Daguanlou Cinema is the birthplace of Chinese cinema. It houses the 'First Hall of Chinese Cinema' and has earned a Guinness World Record for continuously screening films for 100 years at its original site. In 1905, Mr. Ren Qingtai collaborated with Peking opera master Mr. Tan Xinpei to produce China's first dramatic film Dingjun Mountain, which was screened at Daguanlou, marking the birth of Chinese cinema.

STOP 2: Dashilan

Dashilan, a historic commercial street outside Qianmen in Beijing, traces its origins to the Ming Dynasty and flourished since the Qing Dynasty. Renowned as a hub for traditional Beijing brands, Dashilan Historical and Cultural Block was listed among the first batch of China's Historical and Cultural Blocks.

STOP 3: Beijing Fun

Situated in the historical and cultural preservation area of Qianmen outside Zhengyangmen, Beijing FUN is a cultural and commercial landmark that blends a century of history with modern vitality.

STOP 4: Qianmen Street

Qianmen Street is situated along Beijing's central axis, stretching 840 meters from Qianmen Moon Bay in the north to Zhushikou in the south. Don't miss the star-studded Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the delectable Peking duck from Quanjude, and establishments like Tianfuhao and Yueshengzhai.

STOP 5: Xianyukou Food Street

Xianyukou Time-honored Brands Food Street boasts a history of over 570 years. Here, you can find a variety of traditional Beijing delicacies, including offerings from renowned eateries such as Bianyifang, Kaorouji, Tianxingju, and Jingaozhang.

STOP 6: Pigment Guile Hall

Pigment Guile Hall is a historical building with a history of 400 years. In 2021, it was rated as one of the Top Ten Social Media-Famous Spots in Beijing. Here, you can not only watch classic performances but also read books, enjoy delicious food, and participate in activities that showcase intangible cultural heritage.

STOP 7 Sanlihe Park

Sanlihe Park features the picturesque "Three Water Lanes Surrounding Qianmen". On both banks, there are more than 10 old Beijing alleys, exuding the city's unique vibe.

Are you excited about this Citywalk journey tracing the origins of cinema? Let's embark on a pleasant day!

(Source: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)