ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to explore the changes, development process and current situation of Qingdao cinemas over the past century since their inception, analyse their changing roles, technological innovations and impact on local social culture in different historical periods, and reveal the close connection between the cinemas and industrial development, urban culture and social changes. As the first film capital in China, Qingdao's cinema development has gone through three stages: early development (1900–1949), golden age (1949–-1993) and marketisation and industrialisation (1993–present). Since the beginning of the 20th century, Qingdao cinemas have become an important part of urban culture, evolving from open-air screenings to indoor theatres and, eventually, to modern multifunctional cinemas. In recent years, the expansion trend of Qingdao cinemas has slowed down and key distribution areas have shifted from Shinan District to Shibei District and then to Huangdao District. Investment sources have diversified, and Wanda Film and others have taken a leading position in the number of operating cinemas and box office revenue. Facing the future, Qingdao cinemas need to continue to adhere to innovation and development, actively respond to the changes in the market and audience demand, and continuously enhance their competitiveness and influence.
