China Dali Rural Film History Museum
Overview
The Dali Rural Film History Museum (Dali Zhou Dianying Dang’anguan, 大理州电影档案馆/大理中国农村电影历史博物馆) is located at 459 Fuxing Road, Dali Ancient City, Yunnan Province, China. It officially opened in 2011, established by the Dali Prefecture Party Committee and Government to preserve, display, and enhance Dali’s rural film culture. The museum was transformed from the original Dali Cinema, maintaining its historical appearance while enriching the cultural essence of the ancient city and promoting tourism.
Key Information
- Chinese Name: 大理农村电影历史博物馆
- Location: 459 Fuxing Road, Dali Ancient City, Yunnan Province, China
- Type: State-owned specialized film museum
- Opening Date: April 17, 2011
- Visiting Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Investment: Over 9.5 million RMB
- Collection Size: 6,914 items
- Exhibition Area: 1,252.05 square meters
Historical Development
The museum is the first specialized film museum in Yunnan and the first in the country dedicated to rural film history. In February 2011, the local government invested over 8 million RMB to renovate the old cinema, reinforcing its structure and surroundings. It officially opened during the “March Street” Ethnic Festival in April 2011.
Architectural Layout
The museum covers a total investment of approximately 8 million RMB, divided into several exhibition areas: the introductory hall, large film screening equipment display area, rural film screening scene recreation area, premium film display and costume exhibit area, and an old film screening experience zone. It highlights the century-long history of film screening in Dali through various exhibits including vintage photos, film posters, and original film equipment.
Exhibits
Starting in late 2010, the museum began collecting exhibits through purchase, donations, and loans, gathering over 6,200 items. The collection includes items from the silent film era to modern films such as “Five Golden Flowers” (五朵金花), showcasing Dali’s film history and its rich cultural context.
Cultural Activities
“Five Golden Flowers” remains a significant cultural emblem for Dali, with its theme song “By the Butterfly Spring” resonating through generations. Cast members often gather at the museum to reflect on their experiences, connecting deeply with the local culture.
Notable Quotes and Moments
- “Dali is a place where film lives forever; culture is eternal!” — Chen Kaige, renowned director.
Events and Collaborations
In April 2016, the museum hosted the “Cross-Strait Film Exhibition Week,” gathering artists and scholars to discuss the impact of minority films in Yunnan and Taiwan. This initiative has fostered cultural exchange and promoted the development of minority films globally.
Value and Impact
The museum serves as an essential cultural project, enhancing tourism while preserving historical film culture. It has hosted over 300,000 visitors and screened over 2,000 public films, enriching the daily cultural life of the community.
How to Get There
The museum is easily accessible by public transportation from Dali’s city center. Visitors can take local buses or taxis directly to Fuxing Road. For those driving, ample parking is available nearby.
Travel Tips
- Plan Ahead: Check the museum’s schedule for special events or screenings.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into exhibits.
- Local Cuisine: Explore local restaurants in the ancient city after your visit for a complete experience of Dali’s culture.
