Ultimate Guide to Booking Cinema Tickets in China

So, you’re in China and you’re itching to catch a movie. How exactly do you go about booking tickets? And, more importantly, how do you figure out if the movie will be in English? 

Here’s everything you need to know, sans the stress and drama.

This is the WayGone are the days of waiting in line (unless you’re a real fan of people-watching). These days, you can book your cinema tickets straight from your phone.

Two solid options are the mini-programs for Taobao Film (淘票票) and Maoyan (猫眼), available on WeChat and Alipay. 

Both platforms offer in-app language translation, making it much easier for users who prefer English interfaces to navigate and book tickets hassle-free.

    

Scan the QR codes to book via Taobao Film

    

Scan the QR codes to book via Maoyan

Not into tech? No worries. Just head to your nearest cinema, and you can grab tickets at the box office. There’s usually a self-service kiosk too. 

Or, if you’re feeling chatty, just ask the staff for help.

How to Tell If the Movie is in English?Here’s the big question: will the movie you want to watch be in its original English soundtrack, or will it be dubbed over in Chinese?

Let’s be real, no one wants to watch Sonic the Hedgehog suddenly speaking Mandarin.

Here’s how to tell if the movie is in English. Screenshot by That’s

Most cinemas put this info right on their app or website. On platforms like Maoyan or Taobao Film, they’re pretty clear about it. Look for terms like ‘原版’ or ‘英语,’ which mean ‘original’ and ‘English.’

(If you’re still confused, the staff is your best bet.)

Here’s the kicker: international movies are usually shown in their original English version (yay!), but they’ll have Chinese subtitles.

That means, while you’re enjoying Paddington or Minions, you’ll be reading Chinese subtitles. Sorry, no English subtitles in most cinemas.

For big Chinese blockbusters, like Ne Zha 2, expect a fully Mandarin experience — no subtitles at all, just pure action in the local language.

READ MORE: ‘Ne Zha 2’ – the Chinese Film Smashing Box Office Records

So, buckle up and practice your Mandarin, or simply enjoy the cinematic spectacle and hope for the best.

So there you have it. You’re now fully equipped to book your movie tickets, pick the right show time, and know exactly what you’re getting into (linguistically speaking). 

Just don’t forget the popcorn!

[Cover image via That’s]