Outdoor movies — a real summer treat
Watching movies in parks used to be a family affair among Shanghai residents in summertime when television, digital gadgets and air-conditioners were not available. Even though people have plenty of choices now, many locals still enjoy the summer outing.
Since 2005, the Shanghai government has been screening free outdoor movies in local parks in summer. The once-popular activity has seen a revival of sorts in the downtown, attracting both the young and the old and evoking sweet memories of the past.
This year, outdoor movies are being screened in 28 parks and public squares on weekends. Since July and August, about 150 movies have already been screened. So grab a chair and fan, and head out to the park!
Night falls, and movie audiences start to gather at Everbright City Park in Jing’an District.
A worker fixes a screen to the wall in the park before the screening.
A community volunteer helps with the outdoor screening.
Chen Xuezhong (right) adjusts the movie projector. This is the first year that Chen has helped with the screening of the movies all by himself. Besides showing movies, Chen is also responsible for the conservation of plants in the Everbright City Park.
Chen inserts data card into the movie projector.
The screening starts. Most of the audiences are local residents living nearby.
A man, soaked in sweat, watches a movie.
A kid plays under the screen.
A worker moves the equipment back to office. "I am happy to offer residents a nice place to enjoy themselves," Chen said.
