Explore Beijing’s Filming Locations

Beijing, the capital of China and one of the world’s most populous cities, has served as a vibrant backdrop to numerous films, TV series, and books. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and modern cityscapes, it’s no wonder that filmmakers and writers are drawn to this city. This comprehensive travel guide will take you on a cinematic journey through Beijing, exploring the locations of famous films, TV shows, and books, along with travel tips, trivia, and suggestions for your trip. So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure!

10 Famous Films Shot in Beijing

Beijing’s diverse landscapes and unique architecture have provided the perfect setting for a variety of films. Let’s explore “10 famous films shot in Beijing”:

1. Farewell My Concubine (1993) – This critically acclaimed film brilliantly captures Beijing’s history, focusing on the lives of two Peking Opera actors from the mid-20th century.
2. Beijing Bicycle (2001) – A simple tale of a young man and his stolen bicycle, this film showcases the bustling city life of Beijing.
3. Hero (2002) – Set in ancient China, this martial arts film features several iconic locations in Beijing, including the Forbidden City.
4. House of Flying Daggers (2004) – Another martial arts film, it uses Beijing’s stunning natural landscapes to create a visually captivating story.
5. Curse of the Golden Flower (2006) – This historical drama was filmed in the Beijing Film Studio, featuring elaborate sets replicating the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.
6. The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) – This Hollywood film, featuring Jackie Chan and Jet Li, includes scenes shot in the ancient hutongs and palaces of Beijing.
7. CJ7 (2008) – This Hong Kong–Chinese science fiction comedy-drama film, directed by Stephen Chow, was partially shot in Beijing.
8. City of Life and Death (2009) – Although a film about the Nanking Massacre, several scenes were shot in Beijing due to the city’s historical architecture.
9. Aftershock (2010) – This film, about the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, features the Beijing Olympic Stadium in its modern scenes.
10. The Grandmaster (2013) – This film about martial arts master Ip Man includes several scenes set in 1950s Beijing.

These films not only showcase Beijing’s rich history and modern development but also its versatility as a filming location.

5 TV Shows Set in Beijing

Beijing’s allure extends beyond the big screen. Here are “5 TV shows set in Beijing” that capture the city’s essence:

1. Beijing Love Story (2012) – This romantic drama series weaves together several love stories set against the backdrop of modern Beijing.
2. In the Name of People (2017) – This popular political drama, highlighting corruption in Chinese society, is set in the capital city.
3. Midnight Diner (2017) – The Chinese version of this popular series, set in a small Beijing eatery, showcases local food culture.
4. The First Half of My Life (2017) – This series follows the life of a housewife in Beijing navigating her way through a divorce.
5. Well-Intended Love (2019) – This romantic comedy series, set in Beijing’s entertainment industry, is a light-hearted exploration of modern love.

These series offer a glimpse into different facets of life in Beijing, from romance and food to societal issues.

5 Animated Films Set in Beijing

Animated films have also found inspiration in Beijing. Here are “5 animated films set in Beijing” that bring the city to life:

1. Lotus Lantern (1999) – This film, based on a Chinese fairy tale, features several landmarks in ancient Beijing.
2. The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven (2012) – This adaptation of the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West” showcases Beijing’s historical and mythological elements.
3. Big Fish & Begonia (2016) – Although a fantasy film, its visual design draws heavily from Chinese aesthetics and landmarks, including those in Beijing.
4. White Snake (2019) – This film, based on a Chinese legend, features many ancient Chinese settings, including a fictional version of Beijing.
5. Ne Zha (2019) – As a modern retelling of a classic Chinese myth, this film incorporates Beijing’s traditional architecture and culture.

These animated films capture Beijing’s cultural essence, appealing to both children and adults with their colorful visuals and engaging stories.

Famous Books Set in Beijing: 3 Classic and 3 Contemporary

Beijing’s rich history and dynamic present have inspired many writers. Here are “3 classic and 3 contemporary famous books set in Beijing” that offer a literary exploration of the city:

Classic:

1. The Golden Lotus by Lanling Xiaoxiao Sheng – Often considered China’s first realistic novel, it offers a glimpse into Beijing during the Ming dynasty.
2. Rickshaw Boy by Lao She – This novel explores the hard life of a rickshaw puller in old Beijing.
3. Beijing Doll by Chun Sue – This semi-autobiographical novel captures Beijing’s youth culture at the turn of the 21st century.

Contemporary:

1. The Crazed by Ha Jin – Set in the lead-up to the Tiananmen Square massacre, this novel explores academia in 1980s Beijing.
2. Beijing Coma by Ma Jian – A tale of a student protester left in a coma following the Tiananmen Square massacre, it provides a vivid image of modern Beijing.
3. The Incarnations by Susan Barker – This historical novel spans over a thousand years of Beijing’s history, from the Tang dynasty to the present day.

These books offer a deep dive into Beijing’s past and present, making them a must-read for any literary traveler.

Exploring Beijing’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

Film enthusiasts visiting Beijing can explore a variety of locations featured in films and TV shows. Here’s where to go when “exploring Beijing’s filming locations”:

1. The Forbidden City – This imperial palace, featured in “Hero,” is a must-visit landmark in Beijing.
2. The Great Wall – An iconic symbol of China, the Great Wall has been featured in numerous films and TV shows.
3. Hutongs – These narrow alleyways, featured in “The Forbidden Kingdom,” offer a glimpse into old Beijing.
4. 798 Art District – This area, known for its modern art scene, has been featured in several films and TV series.
5. Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) – Featured in “Aftershock,” this iconic stadium is a symbol of modern Beijing.

These locations offer a blend of historical and modern sites, adding a cinematic touch to your Beijing trip.

Where to Sleep in Beijing: 3 Budget and 3 Luxury Options

Depending on your budget, Beijing offers a range of accommodations. Here are “3 budget and 3 luxury” options for “where to sleep in Beijing”:

Budget:

1. Peking Station Hostel – Located near the Forbidden City, this hostel offers budget-friendly accommodations in a traditional hutong.
2. Leo Hostel – This popular hostel is known for its friendly atmosphere and central location near many tourist attractions.
3. Happy Dragon Hostel – A favorite among backpackers, this hostel offers affordable rooms and a bar.

Luxury:

1. The Peninsula Beijing – This luxury hotel, located in the heart of Beijing, offers opulent rooms and top-notch service.
2. The Opposite House – Located in the trendy Sanlitun district, this boutique hotel boasts modern design and spacious rooms.
3. Aman Summer Palace – This luxury resort, located near the Summer Palace, offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city.

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for luxury, these accommodations offer a comfortable stay in Beijing.

Where to Eat in Beijing: 3 Budget and 3 Luxury Options

No trip to Beijing would be complete without sampling its culinary delights. Here are “3 budget and 3 luxury” options for “where to eat in Beijing”:

Budget:

1. Jinfu Mansion Dumpling Restaurant – Famous for its dumplings, this restaurant offers a variety of fillings at a reasonable price.
2. Yaoji Chaogan – This popular eatery is known for its traditional Beijing dish, Chaogan (stir-fried liver).
3. Nanluoguxiang Street Food – This bustling street offers a variety of cheap and tasty local snacks.

Luxury:

1. Duck de Chine – Known for its Peking duck, this upscale restaurant combines French and Chinese culinary traditions.
2. King’s Joy – This vegetarian restaurant, located near the Lama Temple, offers a luxury dining experience.
3. TRB Forbidden City – Offering views of the Forbidden City, this restaurant serves European cuisine in a stunning historical setting.

From street food to fine dining, Beijing offers a culinary adventure for every budget.

Detailed Itinerary for Exploring Beijing’s Cinematic Locations

Experience Beijing’s cinematic charm with this “detailed itinerary” for exploring the city’s film locations:

Day 1: Start with a visit to the Forbidden City, used as a filming location in “Hero.” After exploring the palace, head to the nearby Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. Finish your day with a stroll down Nanluoguxiang, a hutong with numerous food stalls and shops.

Day 2: Visit the Great Wall, featured in many films. Choose a section that suits your fitness level and interest. In the evening, explore the 798 Art District, known for its contemporary art galleries and hip cafes.

Day 3: Visit the Summer Palace, an imperial garden featured in several films. In the afternoon, head to the Bird’s Nest, the iconic Olympic stadium featured in “Aftershock.”

Day 4: Explore Beijing’s traditional side by visiting the hutongs. Visit the Drum and Bell Towers, and take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes. In the evening, enjoy a Peking Opera performance at the Liyuan Theatre.

Day 5: Visit the Lama Temple, one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. Then head to the trendy Sanlitun district for shopping and dining.

This itinerary covers a blend of historical and modern sites, allowing you to explore Beijing’s cinematic charm.

Beijing’s Cryptid Legends and Curiosities

Beijing’s rich history has bred numerous legends and curiosities. One of the most famous is the legend of the Nine Dragons Wall in the Forbidden City, which is said to come alive at night. Another famous legend is the Ghost Street (Guijie), which got its name from a ghost temple located on this street. These legends add an element of mystery and excitement to your Beijing trip.

Hidden Gems in Beijing

Apart from the well-known tourist spots, Beijing also has its share of hidden gems:

1. Prince Gong Mansion – This well-preserved imperial mansion offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Qing dynasty nobility.
2. 798 Art District – While not entirely hidden, this trendy art district is often overlooked by tourists.
3. Beihai Park – Dotted with temples and pavilions, this imperial garden offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

These hidden gems offer a unique perspective of Beijing, away from the usual tourist trails.

What to Pack for a Trip to Beijing

Preparing for your cinematic journey to Beijing requires some careful planning. Here’s “what to pack for a trip to Beijing”:

1. Comfortable shoes – You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to pack comfortable footwear.
2. Versatile clothing – Beijing’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers for different weather conditions.
3. Pollution mask – Beijing can sometimes have heavy air pollution, so it’s a good idea to pack a mask.
4. Camera – Don’t forget your camera to capture Beijing’s cinematic landscapes!

Packing these essentials will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip to Beijing.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Beijing

Navigating Beijing can be quite straightforward with these transportation tips:

1. Subway – Beijing’s subway system is extensive, cheap, and usually the fastest way to get around the city.
2. Taxi – Taxis are plentiful but make sure the driver uses the meter.
3. Bike – With dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs, cycling is a convenient way to explore the city.
4. Walking – Many of Beijing’s attractions are located close to each other, making walking a viable option.

These transport options will make your travel around Beijing easy and efficient.

Travel Documents Needed for Visiting Beijing

Before setting off on your Beijing adventure, ensure you have the following travel documents:

1. Passport – Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from China.
2. Visa – Most nationalities require a visa to enter China, so check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
3. Travel insurance – It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers health, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.

With the correct documents, you’re all set to explore Beijing’s cinematic locations!

Conclusion: Uncovering Beijing’s Cinematic Charm

From its ancient palaces and temples to its modern cityscapes and art districts, Beijing offers a cinematic journey like no other. Whether you’re a film buff, a TV series enthusiast, a book lover, or simply a traveler seeking unique experiences, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of Beijing’s cinematic landscape. So why wait? Embark on a journey through Beijing’s famous films, TV shows, books, and discover the hidden gems that make this city a filmmaker’s dream.