The influence of a well-received movie or TV drama extends beyond entertainment, as it can catapult a city into fame and trigger a surge in tourism
(ANN/THE CHINA DAILY) – Viewers increasingly view their favourite film or series as a virtual travel guide, embracing the storyline as a novel way to plan their journeys.
The audience’s appetite has evolved, and merely watching a show is no longer sufficient—they yearn to physically immerse themselves in the depicted scenes and live out the characters’ daily lives.
In the past year, numerous films and TV dramas from China have brought their shooting locations into the limelight, inviting enthusiasts to explore these captivating settings. Let’s delve into some noteworthy examples.
Dali in Yunnan province
With the premiere of the TV drama Meet Yourself earlier last year, the Dali Bai autonomous prefecture in Southwest China’s Yunnan province emerged as a highly sought-after tourism destination.
The drama was filmed in Dali, showcasing main locations such as Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Fengyangyi village, Shaxi Ancient Town and Xizhou Town.
The idyllic scenery and relaxing pace of life depicted in the drama proved to be a soothing balm for many, leading to a tourism boom in Dali during the Spring Festival holidays. Dali’s state officials even issued a statement praising the drama for its significant contribution to the local tourism industry.
Jiangmen in Guangdong province
Thanks to the success of the hit show The Knockout, Jiangmen in Guangdong province soared as a prominent tourism destination last year, where the drama was filmed.
As a prominent hometown for many overseas Chinese, the city boasts historical cultural street scenes, exotic South Asian-style architecture, and a diverse array of flavorful snacks, attracting a throng of tourists and TV fans.
Data from the local culture and tourism department reveals a remarkable 217 percent month-on-month increase in searches related to tourism in the city in February. Currently, travel bookings witnessed a substantial 144 percent month-on-month rise.
Taiyuan Ancient County in Shanxi province
Full River Red, the highest-grossing blockbuster during last year’s Spring Festival, has set the Taiyaun Ancient County in Shanxi on fire with excitement.
The film was directed by iconic director Zhang Yimou and draws inspiration from a famous poem by the patriotic general Yue Fei of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).
Filmed within a residential compound made up of five enclosed courtyards in an ancient town relic site in Jinyuan district, Taiyuan city, Shanxi province, the movie captures the essence of the country’s intricate, winding alleyways and distinctive ancient courtyards, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Ningbo Museum in Zhejiang province
With the broadcast of the TV drama Three-Body Problem, adapted from the novel of the same name, Ningbo Museum, the primary setting for the film’s operation centre, has garnered significant attention.
Designed by Wang Shu, the first Chinese architect to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the museum stands as a representative work of his career. Blending regional cultural features, traditional architectural elements, and modern techniques, the structure serves as a vessel for history and culture.
In the TV drama, the Ningbo Museum is prominently featured in exterior scenes, showcasing the outdoor staircase on the third floor, and an open-air platform where characters engage in thought-provoking dialogues, symbolizing the wheels of the thought universe.
The architecture’s distinctive design, characterised by irregular building facades, imparts a sense of technology. This uniqueness likely influenced the TV production’s choice of the location, as explained by Zhang Liang, the curator of Ningbo Museum.
Shanghai
Shanghai, often hailed as the “magic city” in China, has once again captured the public’s attention with the recent popularity of the TV series Blossoms Shanghai.
Key filming locations such as Huanghe Road, Peace Hotel, and Tai Sheng Yuan restaurant have emerged as highly sought-after tourist destinations. Dishes featured in the show, such as Spare Ribs with Rice Cakes and Stir-fried Rice Noodles with Beef, have become culinary favourites among tourists exploring Shanghai.
The iconic No 27 on the Bund, where Miss Wang worked in the TV series, has transformed into Jiushi Art Museum, while the Pujiang Hotel (also known as Richard’s Hotel) has found new life as the location of the China Securities Museum.
Since the release of the TV drama in December last year, searches for hotels along Nanjing Road and its surrounding areas have witnessed a steady increase.
