HuaiHai Road was first built in 1900. It's original name is Xijiang Road. The road changed name several times over the next 50 years. In 1915, the French changed its name to commemorate their noted General Joseph Joffre (1852- 1931), who had recently defeated the German army. Avenue Joffre, became an unforgettable momory in the Shanghai senior peoples mind. Later, Shanghai municipality changed the name to Huaihai Middle Road, to commemorate the success of the HuaiHai Campaign.
The Cathay Opened to grand fanfare on New Year’s Day 1932, this iconic edifice was the biggest cinema in Shanghai at the time, with seating capacity for more than 1,000 people. Designed by Czech architect C.H. Gonda (who was also responsible for the famous China Construction Bank on the Bund and the Capitol Theatre), the Cathay Theatre garnered a glamorous reputation for hosting movie premiers and playing host to legendary historical figures such as Victor Sassoon and Eileen Chang. Unfortunately, the grand theater was split into three separate cinemas, and much of the former interior glory has been covered over. However, the outside has stood the test of time, and you can still catch a flick inside to absorb some of the theater’s deep history. There are usually two Chinese films and one foreign film on offer.
Bring your own pen.