China's cinema is one of the distinct historical threads of Chinese-language cinema. The first Chinese film ‘Ding Jun Mountain’ was made in 1905, after cinema was introduced in China in 1896. Shanghai was the epicenter of the film industry in the early decades. The Oriental Movie Metropolis and Hengdian World Studios are the world's most prominent movie and drama production complexes and film studios. Chinese audiences are becoming more interested in [Chinese language films] produced in China. Domestic film production values have been rising.
1. Hengdian World Studios
Hengdian World Studios is the world's largest film studio, dubbed "Chinawood" by Western media. It is situated in Hengdian, a town in Dongyang, Zhejiang Province. The studio comprises 13 shooting bases covering an area of up to 330 ha. It was the location for films such as Ang Lee's Oscar-winning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," Zhang Yimou's "Hero" and "The City of Golden Armor," and Chen Kaige's "The Promise." The film "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" may have given Hengdian the most widespread exposure.
2. Shanghai Film Park
Shanghai Film Studios Amusement Park is a location for film and television production, sightseeing, and cultural communication. The park includes "Nanjing Road in the 1930s," "Shanghai traditional houses," "Downtown Shanghai in old times," "European style architecture," "Suzhou Creek," "Church," "Peace Plaza," "Old Shanghai Bridge," "Lake and Mountain Area," large soundstages, a costume and prop warehouse, a film library, and various screening rooms.
3. Zhongshan TV and Film City
Zhongshan TV and Film City, located in Cuiheng Village, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, is the only shooting location themed after Sun Yat-life. It is divided into five major scenic areas: China Scenic Area, Japan Scenic Area, England Scenic Area, United States Scenic Area, and the Exhibition Area. There are also tourist attractions, a film and TV cultural exhibition center, recreational facilities, and modern high-tech movie and TV art facilities.
4. Changchun Movie Wonderland
Changchun Movie Wonderland, also known as East Hollywood, is the first Chinese film park. Changchun Movie Wonderland, which combines the spirits of Disney and Hollywood, is crowded with tourists from all over the world, particularly young travellers. Unrivalled viewing experiences are provided by the park's giant screen, 3D water screen, dome screen, 4D theatre, and Laser theatre.
5. Bei Putuo Film and TV City
Bei Putuo Film and TV City is located in Beijing's Nangong Village, Daxing District. It is a multifunctional movie culture city with over 30 hectares that combines film sets and locations, sightseeing, entertainment, movie education, and cultural exchange. It has over 20 scenic areas and 50 sights that are well-organized.
6. Tongli Shooting Base
Tongli is one of the "Top Ten Shooting Bases in China." This ancient Town in Jiangsu Province, east China, is known for its unique rivers and lakes. Tongli is known as the "Oriental Venice". Tongli is surrounded by water and is inlaid in the area of five lakes, so there are many small bridges. Tongli is famous for its many Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties architectures, as well as famous historical people.
7. Zhenbeibu China West Film Studio
Zhenbeibu China West Film Studio is located 35 kilometres northwest of Yinchuan City on the site of two ancient castle relics built during the Ming and Qing dynasties to defend against tribes from the north side of Helan Mountain. It is a filmmaker's paradise, having been the location for over 60 films since the 1980s. Walking through the city, mysterious ancient ruins, and rustic Hui customs will transport you to a world away from the noise.
8. Jiaozuo Film & TV City
Jiaozuo Film & TV City is one kilometre north of Jiaozuo. It is one of the large shooting bases for film and television. It has a total area of 15 000 square meters. The film and television city was constructed at the base of Mt. Fenghuang. It is divided into four sections: the city gate square, the Zhou Dynasty palace, the Chu Dynasty palace, and the downtown streets. The downtown streets concentratedly embody ordinary people's production and living environment during the Spring and Autumn Periods and the Warring States. The one-of-a-kind scene is ideal for film, television, and entertainment.
9. Xiangshan Film and TV City
Xiangshan Film and Television City, located in Xinqiao town, Xiangshan county, Ningbo city, Zhejiang Province, is recognized as one of China's top ten film bases and the designated movie and TV shooting base in China. So far, the Town has constructed Shendiao City, Chunqiu City, the Journey to the West Area, the economic hotel area, studios, and other base functionality and supporting infrastructures. The movie base has received over 160 film and TV crews and 4.3 million visitors since its official opening in 2005, including the famous crews Condor Heroes, and Sacrifice.
10. Zhuozhou Movie and Television City (Closed since 2016）
Zhuozhou Movie and Television City is located 48 kilometres south of Beijing in Zhuozhou City. It comprises old pavilions, towers, terraces, courtyards, bridges, and corridors. The Bronze Peacock Terrace, which existed in the Three Kingdoms, is the most spectacular scenic sight (220–280).
