Last time we introduced five iconic and heritage cinemas in Shanghai in the story "Heritage theaters in Shanghai show off their modern, refreshed look." Owing to a high level of internationalization, the city also boasts some high-tech and futuristic cinemas, where the state-of-the-art screening technology enhances movie buffs' immersive cinematic experience.

During the annual Shanghai International Film Festival in June, most of these cinemas are open to international cinematic marvels and classics, as well as interactive film events which allow audiences to have face-to-face talks with movie casts.

Online film tickets to regular cinematic releases and the film festival's screenings can be purchased on the apps and websites of Taopiaopiao and Maoyan. Detailed information about the cinemas' specialty such as 3D, 4DX, RealD, Laser Projection and other services are also posted. Movie buffs can also buy tickets at the theaters or through Alipay.

Shanghai Film Art Center 上海影城

As one of the largest cinemas in China and a cultural landmark in the city for over 30 years, the Shanghai Film Art Center, located at the intersection of Xinhua and Panyu roads in Changning District, is the main site for the Shanghai International Film Festival.

A large number of panoramic screenings, film premieres, and cultural events are offered at the center. Numerous film celebrities such as Italian actress Sophia Loren, French actresses Sophie Marceau and Juliette Binoche, and US actress Meryl Streep and actor Edward Norton have attended activities at the center.

The center's renovation from 2022 to 2023 has endowed it with multiple functions as a "smart cinema." The intelligent cinema control system and electronic control management system supports unmanned screening and automatic scheduling and other digital functions.

Dolby Laboratories has customized the center's main screening hall – the SFC Dolby Auditorium – with the Dolby Vision Laser Projection System and the Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio System. It is also the first innovative space in Asia with more than 1,000 seats that can provide the Dolby immersive audio-visual experience.

A huge LED canopy with naked eye 3D effects and immersive stereo at the lobby is available for new film trailers and fashion releases. Some of the cinema's other halls are equipped with 4K resolution Onyx LED screen and an upgraded Dolby Atmos system to adapt to the cutting-edge special effects and technologies in movies.

In the neighborhood of the center, there are also heritage buildings designed by famous architect Laszlo Hudec and former residences of celebrities such as Madam Soong Ching Ling and renowned writer Ba Jin.

Address: 160 Xinhua Rd. 新华路160号

Tel: 6280-6088

MOViE MOViE (Taikoo Li Qiantan) MOViE MOViE影城(前滩太古里店)

As the first MOViE MOViE cultural and lifestyle concept cinema on the Chinese mainland, this is one of the best IMAX cinemas in Shanghai that offers movie buffs an immersive cinema-going experience.

Equipped with IMAX Laser projection system, the cinema's hardware and overall environment is top-notch. Many film premiere and special screening activities have been hosted at the cinema, such as the IMAX original short documentary "Asteroid Hunters."

"Asteroid Hunters," the IMAX original film, chose the theater for its special screening. When the 40-minutes documentary film was shown at the cinema, movie buffs were amazed at the impelling audio-visual effects of asteroid strikes which were strongly boosted by the cinema's advanced projection and audio systems.

Before or after the film screening, people can also shop or dine at the Taikoo Li Qiantan retail complex, which is also dubbed Shanghai's "second Lujiazui." The complex also boasts Tsutaya Books' 3,000-square-meter flagship store on the rooftop and sports brand ASICS' first Running Station on the Chinese mainland.

Address: S-L3-13, 3/F, Stone Zone, Taikoo Li Qiantan, 500 Dongyu Rd 东育路500弄前滩太古里石区3楼

Tel: 5866-5503

Bona Palace at the Bund Finance Center 博悦汇影城(上海外滩IMAX店)

This IMAX cinema at the Bund Financial Center is popular for its modern design and high-level projection hardware. It is also no more than 10 minutes' walk from the city's landmark resort Yuyuan Garden Malls.

Award-winning Hong Kong designer Ajax Law presents a low-key but luxurious decoration style for the cinema. With sharp lines as the main axis, the cinema also boasts light and shadow design to create a magnificent and psychedelic atmosphere.

All eight screening halls are equipped with staircase style seating to ensure a clear line of view. The ultra-high resolution digital projection system and the circulating fragrance system combine to bring audiences a comfortable viewing experience.

Movie casts of "Chinese Doctors," "The Battle at Lake Changjin," and "Moon Man" attended special screenings at the cinema. In addition to watching films, people can also visit the BFC Weekend Bazaar on Fengjing Road and the ongoing Harry Potter-inspired Christmas and New Year celebration.

Address: 600 Zhongshan Rd E2. 中山东二路600号

Tel: 191-2161-5090

Palace Cinema (iapm mall) 上海百丽宫影城 (环贸iapm店)

The upgraded IMAX laser projection system at the cinema makes the images on the big screen more realistic, bringing an immersive viewing experience to movie fans.

There are several Palace Cinemas in town. The one at Lujiazui's L+MALL is well-received by audiences for its LUXE Laser system and the high-end configuration of Dolby Atmos.

In addition to small restaurants and fashion stores, the neighborhood of iapm mall has provided filming locations for the acclaimed Shanghai-produced romance film "Myth of Love." It is highly recommended to take a casual walk there.

The neighboring sites of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and the music blocks of Blackstone Apartments will combine to offer an amazing journey of culture and art.

Address: L6, iapm Mall, 999 Huaihai Rd. M. 淮海中路999号环贸iapmL6层

Tel: 6466-0509

Shanghai HOYTS Cinema 上海寰映影城(大融城店)

The cinema, a high-end brand under Wanda Film, is equipped with the new generation of IMAX Laser 4K projection system to ensure a wonderful viewing experience.

Compared to traditional digital IMAX, it boasts a higher level of sound effects, clarity, contrast, and brightness. Images on the IMAX screen are in higher resolution, presenting more vivid and brilliant colors.

On the basis of the original 5.1 sound channel, the side and overhead sky channels have also been added. The upgraded 12-channel sound system brings a wide and dynamic range of sound and offers more accurate sound effects.

The cinema with 11 screening halls also combines the nostalgic charm of old Shanghai with the elements of classic Hollywood movies to highlight an artistic atmosphere.

Address: L328, Bldg 1, No 10, Lane 1111 Hutai Rd 沪太路1111弄10号1号楼三层L328室

Tel: 134-823-79580

How to Buy Movie Tickets Using Alipay

Purchasing discounted movie tickets through Alipay is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Enable the Built-in Translation Tool:

Open Alipay and go to Me > Settings > General > Translation Tool.

Select your target language. (Currently, Alipay supports 15 languages, including Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish.)

2. Search for Cinemas:

On the home screen, use the search bar to type "Cinema."

Browse and select the movie ticketing mini-program you prefer, then proceed to purchase tickets online.

If the page is in Chinese, tap the floating Translation button to convert it into your selected language.

Buying movie tickets has never been so simple. Try it out and enjoy the experience of booking like a local!