Time-honored Capital Cinema explores new 'cinema+' business model

Headquartered in Beijing's Xidan commercial district, Capital Cinema was initially established in 1937 as the Xinxin Theater, funded by Peking Opera master Ma Lianliang and his friends. In 1950, it was officially renamed "Capital Cinema" by then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. The cinema has since set multiple industry records, including being the first widescreen stereophonic cinema in China, the first optical stereophonic cinema in Beijing, and the first cinema in Beijing to achieve box office revenue exceeding 10 million yuan. It has been an irreplaceable "temple of cinema" in the hearts of Beijingers for decades.

As living standards continue to rise, the two locations of Capital Cinema have struck a balance between tradition and innovation. The Xidan branch in Beijing's Xicheng District reinforces its brand prestige with premium services, while the city sub-center branch in Tongzhou District wants to attract younger audiences with a "youthful, experiential" approach.

In 2018, the Xidan branch introduced an LED cinema screen, maintaining its role as a technology trendsetter while pioneering a "cinema+" business model. In March of last year, the cinema experimented with a "film+dining" concept, live-streaming the Chinese Super League in its LED auditorium – a successful move to engage younger crowds.

At the beginning of 2024, Capital Cinema's city sub-center branch opened its door as a "testing ground for new business models." Equipped with interactive gaming facilities and a multifunctional performance hall featuring retractable seating, the new venue enhances the 4D movie-seeing experience, further solidifying its appeal to consumers.