Chinese Film Timeline
Invention
The “Wheel of Life” was the first machine to show moving drawings. This device was patented by William Lincoln in 1867. Filmmaking was introduced to China in 1896.
Beginning of Chinese Film
"Western motion pictures" were first shown in Shanghai in 1896. Shanghai was also the place of beginnings for the production of Chinese film.
The first attempt at motion picture in China was Conquering Jun Mountain, in 1905. In the 1920s, American film specialists trained chinese technicians in Shanghai. There was great American influence on the early chinese filmmaking, which would be felt for the next twenty years.
The Songstress, Red Peony was the first talking motion picture by the Chinese. In the 1930s, many films reflected resistance against imperialism and feudalism such as Torrents. There were also many films that brought out attributes of art and literature; Street Angel being one example.
Sources
<http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/film/84966.htm> <http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blmotionpictures.htm>