After a facelift in 2005 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Chinese cinema, Daguanlou offers visitors a picturesque combination of old and new. The grey and dark-red brick fa?ade is reminiscent of buildings in the late 19th century. On the first floor, a small room has been restored and refurnished in the original style of the theater, with benches, old advertisements, oil lamps, and, as was the case in old cinemas, projection machines on display for the public. Beverages and snacks are available on the second floor.

Old structures in Dashilan Street were torn down.

In April 2006, many old structures in the Qianmen area, Dashilan Street included, were torn down. But Daguanlou, along with a handful of other stores, was spared to keep the memory of what Beijing was like so long ago.

Author: Lency

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