Top Filming Locations in China

Where was Avatar filmed? You must be quite curious about the Hallelujah Mountain in the air in this outstanding movie. Precisely, that came from the landform in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园), and especially the part of Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Though the real mountains are not in the air, Zhangjiajie looks particularly like a fairyland with the mists and really beautiful sightseeing. So prepare your camera well and begin your shooting.

Those tomb figures are not mummies in traditional concept of the Egyptian ones. Those are the impressive warriors inspired from the Terracotta Warriors and Horses (兵马俑) in Xian city, which was the protection army of the Emperor Qin Shihuang in ancient China and has been reputed as one of the Eight Wonders of the World with super large scale, outstanding skills and the brilliance of ancient Chinese. Why not go in front of the real figures to admire their appearances with no one same.

Do you remember the last safe place in this movie? That is the Mount Everest in Tibet Region. And the highest monastery survived is the very old Rongphu Monastery at the foot of the Everest (珠穆朗玛峰). With the devout Buddhists and rich Buddhist culture, the monastery and mountain there in China are more sacred and attract a lot of people to admire their holy features and awesome look. Pure white snow, azure sky, colorful prayer flags, standing pagoda, dark red wall, and innocent local people would take all your troubles far away.

Other movies shot here: Everest, The Wildest Dream, Into Thin Air, Storm over Everest, etc.

Li Mubai walked across the South Lake leading his ox. That tranquil and antique place is Hongcun Village (宏村) located near the Yellow Mountain in Huangshan. Complimented as the village in the paintings, Hongcun village is super nice and popular among foreign tourists. Only the mirror-like lake, arch stone bridge, very old black and white houses surrounded, and the typical flavor of Jiangnan style, and so forth could calm down your mind. The harmonious scenes there would worth your visit.

The background of the fight scene of the two leading actors of "Hero" was taken in the Arrow Bamboo Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province in Southwest China. Clear flying springs and running streams, shimmering lake, prosperous forests in green, yellow, orange, golden, etc. Jiuzhaigou Valley (九寨沟) is praised as a fairy tale world for its super fantastic natural landscape. Far away from the city, it is a cool place to take good pictures and inspire you a lot.

I do like the mist-shrouded bamboo forests, whispering streams, wood houses, and other primitive elements in the Panda Village in Kung Fu Panda 3. How about you? If yes, you could find the one in our reality at Mount Qingcheng (青城山) near Chengdu City. This holy Taoist place is welcomed for its relaxing and harmonious atmosphere, ever emerald sightseeing, and quiet charm. Also as it is very close to the living area of giant pandas, you could know how they live happily in their home during your discovery there.

Surprised or not? Tom Cruz running through the corridor in Xitang Ancient Town (西塘古镇) was really cool. Furthermore, the movie location of Mission: Impossible 3 chosen there has brought another new wave of tourists to discover the scenes in that movie and experience the traditional old flavor in China. Besides the leisure strolling along the old streets and alleys, taste local snacks, you are highly recommended to take small boat to sail by the antique houses and let time go by slowly.

This impressive and famous movie Kite Runner was shot in Kashgar in Xinjiang area actually. In Kashgar Old City (喀什噶尔老城), particular charm of Islamic could make you feel like standing in a place in Central Asia. During your visit there, you could roam in the multiple lanes to appreciate the exotic buildings and find the best place for photography. But more importantly, make sure to pay a visit to the One Hundred Year Old Tea House to sip a cup of local tea and get close to the local life style. Follow the Kite Runner to experience the Muslim flavor in Kashgar.

The traditional Chinese movie Raise the Red Lantern by Yimou Zhang receiving the Oscar Prize was filmed at Qiao's Family Compound (乔家大院) in Shanxi. A little different from the dark atmosphere in that movie, this domestically famous compound of typical northern Chinese feature is harmonious and full of the warm of people. The bright red lanterns, exquisite carving on the roof, brick paved paths and walls could take you back to the old years and experience the life of local Shanxi merchants.

If you are a big fan of the Transformers, you must remember the scene at the sky hole. That was done at Wulong County (武隆县) in Chongqing. And after that soul-stirring movie's putting on show, a lot of fans visited this awesome place to enjoy the hard to see Karst landform and get close to nature. Have never seen that kind of landscape in my life before, I am really appealed by the huge hole with emerald plants, especially antique Chinese houses, and the fresh air to refresh mind.

Where was "The Great Wall" filmed? If you're intrigued by the breathtaking landscapes depicted in the movie, you'll be fascinated to know that many scenes were shot in the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park (张掖丹霞国家地质公园). The vibrant hues and unique rock formations in this area provided the perfect backdrop for the film's epic scenes. As you explore the park, you'll be awestruck by the stunning natural beauty that inspired filmmakers and travelers alike. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the mesmerizing colors and textures of Zhangye Danxia.

Curious about the enchanting landscapes depicted in "Big Fish & Begonia"? You'll be delighted to discover that many scenes were inspired by the unique architecture of Fujian Tulou. These ancient earthen buildings, scattered throughout the picturesque countryside of Fujian Province, served as the perfect setting for the film's mystical world. As you wander through the Tulou clusters, you'll be transported back in time, marveling at the intricate designs and rich history of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Be sure to capture the beauty of Fujian Tulou with your camera and immerse yourself in the magic of this timeless destination.

Beijing (北京), as the capital of China, keeps perfectly a large series of traditional cultures, histories, artistic charm, and many other elements. After enjoying the scenes in those movie filmed there, in fact, you could pay a real visit to this capital city to get close to its magnificent but easy-going charm, a large number of hundreds-year old and exquisite constructions of past emperors, Chinese Kung Fu and Beijing Opera, interests of cycling through narrow Hutong alleys, and more highlights in the Forbidden City, world well-known Great Wall, and so forth.

Building many skyscrapers in its large city area, Shanghai (上海) is a great choice for filming the exciting fighting scenes of those great movies. No matter the scene of 007 swimming in a high building with the summits of other high buildings outside his window, or the leading actor walking down the streets in Lujiazui area and near the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai shows a wonderful image to attract people to see its real look. In your visit there, happy hours could easily be enjoyed in the Bund, Lujiazui high buildings, Shanghai Disney Resort, Tianzifang old lane zone, and the old but different exotic buildings in the downtown.

Being third largest financial center in the whole World, Hong Kong (香港) has shown on many Hollywood movies and classic films of Bruce Lee. Therefore, you could follow those highly praised film masterpieces to visit Hong Kong, where you could savor the bright harmoniously contrasting of traditional China and the Western world. You could walk along the roads to see the aging Chinese residences facing the modern high buildings, taste different kinds of delicious snacks in the prosperous streets and markets, have fun in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort with your friends and families, and stay leisure in a close offshore isle, etc.

Guilin has particularly gorgeous natural sceneries of Karst landform, which may be why directors of some successful movies make their scenes in this beautiful place. Reaching Guilin (桂林), you could be impressed by its rare landscape with hills rising around, shimmering river floating, folk customs of local Zhuang, Miao, and more ethnic minorities, and the simple and pure life of villagers in the countryside. The Li River, Yangshuo, etc. are real highlights not to be missed. Only if you arrive in Guilin, you could know the meaning of a famous word, "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven."