Chinese films inspire a new wave of travel to iconic destinations
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
Chinese films are transforming tourism as they inspire viewers to visit real-life locations featured on screen.
«Ne Zha 2: The Battle of Chaos,» a sequel to the popular animated fantasy film, has according to CGTN sparked interest in Mount Emei in Sichuan Province, where the film's mythical landscapes were inspired.
Cinematic destinations draw tourists
Chinese box office hits, including historical dramas and fantasy epics, are reshaping travel trends. «Films provide a powerful narrative that connects audiences emotionally to the destinations,» said Wu Yan, a film industry analyst. He added that the vivid landscapes and cultural landmarks showcased in movies motivate audiences to explore these places.
Other popular films influencing travel include:
«Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms» – Boosted visits to Yuxu Palace in Hubei.
«Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms» is a 2023 Chinese fantasy epic based on the classic novel «Investiture of the Gods.» Set during the Shang Dynasty, the film follows a power struggle between mortals and immortals as King Zhou falls under the influence of the evil fox spirit Daji. Filled with elaborate battle scenes and mythological intrigue, the film blends history, mythology, and fantasy, offering a visually stunning journey through ancient Chinese legends.
«Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms»was filmed at several iconic locations in China, with a focus on authentic historical and scenic settings. Key filming locations include:
Hengdian World Studios, Zhejiang Province – Known as the largest film studio in the world, it served as the primary backdrop for the film’s elaborate palace scenes and battle sequences.
Yuxu Palace, Hubei Province – An ancient Taoist site that inspired the mystical and divine elements of the film.
Mount Qingcheng, Sichuan Province – A sacred Taoist mountain that provided natural landscapes for the movie’s more spiritual and fantasy-driven sequences.
«Hidden Blade» is a 2023 Chinese spy thriller set during World War II, focusing on the dangerous double lives of Chinese intelligence agents working undercover against Japanese occupiers. Starring Tony Leung and Wang Yibo, the film captures the tension and intrigue of wartime Shanghai, blending suspense with historical drama. With its gripping storyline and stylish cinematography, «Hidden Blade» has been praised for its portrayal of espionage and sacrifice.
«Hidden Blade» was primarily filmed in Shanghai, capturing the city’s rich historical and architectural heritage. Key filming locations include:
The Bund, Shanghai – Iconic waterfront area showcasing colonial-era architecture, frequently used in scenes depicting espionage meetings and high-stakes encounters.
Shanghai Film Park, Songjiang District – A popular location for historical films, providing period-accurate sets that recreated 1940s Shanghai.
Old French Concession – Known for its European-style buildings and narrow streets, used to portray the city’s wartime intrigue and underground resistance.
Film tourism fuels local economies
«Visitors flock to these destinations not just for sightseeing but to experience the stories they’ve watched unfold on screen,» said Li Zhi, a tourism expert. As a result, local businesses and cultural sites benefit from increased visitor traffic.
Future of film-inspired travel
The success of film-inspired tourism is expected to continue, with many Chinese filmmakers now collaborating with local tourism boards to promote destinations. As films like «Ne Zha 2» captivate audiences, they also serve as a powerful marketing tool that transforms China’s scenic wonders into must-visit travel spots.
