A group of film and television industrial professionals recently launched a coffee shop at Zhongguo Cinema in Shinan district, Qingdao, East China's Shandong province.

The concept of "Coffee+" has turned this century-old cinema into a unique space that combines movies, coffee and creative design.

Located on Shinan district's Zhongshan Road, the cinema, formerly known as the Shandong Grand Theater, was founded in 1930 by Chinese film pioneer Zhang Shichuan (1891-1953). It was the first theater in China to be funded and operated by Chinese individuals.

The Zhongguo Cinema boasts a building area of over 1,500 square meters. Its first and second floors are dedicated to theaters, accommodating a total of 750 people. [Photo/WeChat account: Shinanly]

This cinema holds a significant status as a cultural heritage protection unit in Shandong province. Notably, it is the only cinema in Qingdao recognized as an outstanding historical building of Shandong.

There is a strong connection between coffee culture and the film industry, with the social atmosphere of coffee shops providing an excellent environment for discussion and exchange within the film industry.

The coffee shop, named Movie Space, located within Zhongguo Cinema, is adorned with film posters from the 20th century. [Photo/WeChat account: Shinanly]

In the early 20th century, coffee houses became vibrant hubs for cultural and intellectual activity. Cities such as Paris, Vienna, Budapest and Shanghai were renowned for fostering the creation of numerous masterpieces in art and literature during coffee gatherings.