First cinema opens on South China Sea island

SANSHA - Over 200 residents and soldiers on Yongxing Island watched the Chinese movie "The Eternity of Jiao Yulu" Saturday, marking the opening of China's southernmost cinema.

Located in Sansha municipality, China's newest city in the South China Sea, Sansha Yinlong Cinema offers the latest blockbusters in line with the rest of the country.

"The cinema will show at least one film every day, so residents and soldiers on Yongxing Island can enjoy films simultaneously with moviegoers across the country," said Gu Xiaojing, general manager of Hainan Media Croup.

The theater is equipped with advanced projection equipment, including the latest 4K digital projectors as well as a 3D perforated screen for viewers to indulge in the pleasure of big screen.

Chen Zijian, general manager of Hainan Film Company, which operates the cinema, said they have also purchased two mobile projection units and plan to screen films for free on more islands within the municipality to meet the demands of residents.

The opening of the cinema is part of a plan by local cultural authorities to establish community services on islands under Sansha's jurisdiction.

In April last year, Sansha opened its first public library. It also has a stadium and has organized various cultural activities to enrich the lives of residents.

China set up Sansha municipality in 2012. The city government is located on Yongxing Island, the largest of the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea.