TOP MOVIE THEATRES

Article By XIANEASE

Each year, there are only a select few foreign films that get the chance to light up Chinese cinema screens. That doesn’t mean we don’t get our share of blockbusters; Marvel and Disney are both certain to get some of their tent pole releases on China’s silver screens (Avengers: Endgame is definitely a lock) and some recent reports claim that some of last year’s Oscar Bait, like Bohemian Rhapsody, might get Chinese releases as well. If you’re trying to see some of these in all of their big-screen glory, you might think that any old theatre will do, but we thought we’d do you one better and share some of the better cinemas in Xi’an. Don’t forget the popcorn.

1 Kaidun IMAX Cinema 开顿IMAX影城 (光美老城根店) 

Just northeast of the city walls is G-Park, a one-stop strip for drinking, eating, shopping and staring at the bizarre giant LED crystal in the center of their thoroughfare. At the western end of the complex, you’ll find Kaidun Cinema, which boasts a 474-seat IMAX theatre, for those of you who think “the big screen” is too small. This is a great pick not only for the quality of the cinema, but because it makes G-Park probably the easiest place in the city to plan a dinner-and-a-movie date.

Address:
3F-17, G-Park Xinghuo Road.
莲湖区星火路老城根G-Park 3F-17
Phone: (029) 6829 4999
Hours: 10:00am-10:00pm

2 Lumiere Cinema 卢米埃影城 (凯德广场店)

Lumiere Cinema has been one of the better theatres in town for a minute or two now. It’s got a nice central location, theatres equipped with top-of-the-line sound systems and a great VIP program. For 210 RMB (10RMB card fee + 200RMB of credit to be used at Lumiere), movie buffs can enjoy deep discounts on tickets and concessions, a great deal if you go to the cinema often.

Address:
5F, Kaide Shopping Mall, west side of South Second Ring Road.
南二环西段凯德广场五层
Phone: 400 601 0618
Hours: 10:00am-10:30pm

3 Xiang Gang Wei Lai Cinema 香港未来主题影院

If aesthetic or comfort are big requirements for your movie-going experience, Xiang Gang Wei Lai Cinema has themed theatres with ample legroom. You haven’t seen a movie until you’ve seen it from the comfort of a bright pink Hello Kitty chair.

Address:
2F Northeast corner of Chang’an Interchange.
长安立交东北角香港未来主题影院2楼
Phone: (029) 6235 8787
Hours: 9:00am-11:00pm

4 Wanda Cinema 万达影城 (高新万达广场店)

Wanda Cinemas are essentially a right-down-the-middle experience, with reliably good facilities and all the biggest movies showing on its screens. This Wanda, however, is brand new and located in the south of the city, perfect for anyone who lives down there and can’t really justify the fight to travel downtown for a quick movie. Get there before the floors get sticky.

Address:
3F Gaoxin Wanda Shopping Mall, Keji Qi Lu and Tangyan Lu.
唐延路与科技七路交汇处高新万达广场3楼
Phone: 400 080 6060
Hours: 11:30am-2:00pm
5:30am-9:00pm

5 Oscar Cinema 奥斯卡国际影城 (熙地港店)

And for those of you living up north, we have the CityOn Oscar Cinema. A big rival of Wanda Cinema, you’ll find a similarly standard cinema experience, but it’s hard to argue against half-price tickets every Tuesday.

Address:
L6 City On Shopping Mall, 170 Weiyang Road.
未央路170号熙地港L6层
Phone: (029) 8952 8962
Hours: 9:00am-11:00pm

Know more Xi’an top five? Send an email to top5@xianease.com or go to www.xianease.com and leave a comment.