Top Filming Locations in China

Zhangjiajie National Park in “Avatar”：Fairyland Full of Inspirations

Location: Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province

Best Season: Spring & Autumn

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 days

How to Get There: frequent short-distance buses are available from Zhangjiajie Bus Station to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, for about 40 minutes

Where was Avatar filmed? You must be quite curios about the Hallelujha 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. Check more about Zhangjiajie National Park.

▶ Related Reading: Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains | Yuanjiajie | Wulingyuan Scenic Area | Zhangjiajie Travel Guide

☛ 3 Days Zhangjiajie Nature Beauty Tour

☛ 4 Days Zhangjiajie Exciting Adventure with Glass Bridge

☛ 4 Days Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour with Fantastic Hiking Experience

☛ 5 Days Amazing Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour

Hallelujha Mountain in Avatar

Hallelujha Mountain Photoed by Our Dear Guests

Terracotta Warriors in “The Mummy: The Tomb of the Dragon Emperor”: One of the Eight Wonders of the World

Location: Xian City, Shaanxi Province

Best Season: all year round

Recommended Visiting Time: 3-5 hours

How to Get There: drive about 50 minutes from Xian downtown; also buses are available from Xian downtown, Xian Xianyang Airport, and Xian railway stations

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. Check more about Terracotta Warriors and Horses.

☛ 2 Days Xian City Tour

☛ 3 Days Classic Xian Tour

☛ 5 Days Beijing Xian Highlights Tour by High Speed Train

Mummy 3 Filmning Scene of Terracotta Warriors

Our Dear Guests with Xian Terracotta Warriors and Horses

Mount Everest in “Farewell Atlantis (2012) ”: Conquering the World's Tallest Peak

Location: Tingri County, Shigatse District, Tibet

Best Season: April to May; September to October

Recommended Visiting Time: 2-4 days

How to Get There: drive from Lhasa City for over 15 hours

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. Check more about Mount Everest.

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

☛ 8 Days Lhasa & Everest Base Camp Tour

☛ 9 Days Tibet Discovery Tour Including Everest and Namtso Lake

Mount Everest in Farewell Atlantis

Our Dear Guests taking photos at Mount Everest

Hongcun in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”: Unraveling Ancestral Mysteries

Location: Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province

Best Season: Spring & Autumn

Recommended Visiting Time: half day

How to Get There: sightseeing buses are available to Hongcun Ancient Village from Huangshan Bus Station, and Huangshan Mount Front Gate.

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 Jiannan style, and so forth could calm down your mind. The harmonious scenes there would worth your visit. Check more about Hongcun Village.

☛ 4 Days Best Huangshan Tour with Hongcun & Xidi Ancient Villages

☛ 4 Days Scenic Huangshan Mountain Tour with Hongcun Biking

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Filmed at Hongcun Still

Charming and Beautiful Hongcun Village

Jiuzhaigou in “Hero”: Witnessing Unique and Crystal-clear Water

Location: Aba Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan

Best Season: July to October

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 days

How to Get There: frequent flights are available from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Valley, about 50 mins

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 praise 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. Check more about Jiuzhaigou Valley.

☛ 3 Days Classic Jiuzhaigou Tour

☛ 4 Days Jiuzhaigou In-depth Tour with Walking Experience

☛ 6 Days Chengdu Jiuzhaigou In-depth Tour

Hero Movie Filmed in Jiuzhaigou

Clear Flying Waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou

Mount Qingcheng in “Kung Fu Panda 3”: Embarking on a Taoist Quest

Location: Dujiangyan, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province

Best Season: Summer

Recommended Visiting Time: half to one day

How to Get There: take a bullet train from Chengdu and the local Dujiangyan bus to the gate of Mount Qingcheng

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. Check more about Mount Qingcheng.

☛ 1 Day Kung Fu Panda Tour with Mount Qingcheng

☛ 2 Days Dujiangyan Panda Your

☛ 4 Days Chengdu & Dujiangyan All Bests with Panda Volunteer Tour

Mount Qingcheng in “Kung Fu Panda 3”

Holy and Harmonious Mount Qingcheng

Xitang Water Town in “Mission: Impossible 3”: Captivating Water Town Peace

Location: Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province

Best Season: Spring and Autumn, especially in April to May and September to November

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 day

How to Get There: take a rain from Shanghai, Hangzhou, etc. to Jiashan Railway Station and transfer to local bus to Xitang Water Town

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. Check more about Xitang Water Town.

☛ 2 Days Poetic Hangzhou with Xitang Water Town Tour

☛ 3 Days Best Hangzhou Tour with Wuzhen Water Town

☛ 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

Mission Impossible 3 at Xitang Water Town

Peaceful and Idyllic Xitang Water Town

Kashgar Old Town in “Kite Runner”: Immersing in Ancient Charm

Location: Kashgar City, Xinjiang Region

Best Season: all year round

Recommended Visiting Time: half day

How to Get There: take a taxi from Kashgar Airport to Kashgar Old Town for about 20 minutes; also local buses are available

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.

☛ 2 Days Kashgar City Tour from Urumqi

☛ 5 Days Legendary Pamirs Tour from Kashgar to Tashkurgan

☛ 8 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour including Urumqi Turpan Kashgar Tashkurgan

Kite Runner Filmed in Kashgar

Our Dear Guests at Kashgar Old Town

Qiao’s Family Compound in “Raise the Red Lantern”: Uncovering Lantern's Legacy

Location: Qiaojiabao Villages, Qi County, Shanxi Province

Best Season: Spring, Summer and Autumn

Recommended Visiting Time: half day

How to Get There: buses are available from Pingyao for about 40 minutes and Taiyuan Jiannan bus station for about 80 minutes to Qixian station

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. Check more about Qiao’s Family Compound.

☛ 2 Days Classic Pingyao Tour

☛ 3 Days Taiyuan Pingyao Brief Tour

☛ 4 Days Essence of Datong & Pingyao Tour

Raise the Red Lantern at Qiao's Family Compound

Qiao’s Family Compound with Typical Northern Chinese Feature

Wulong Karst Landscape in “Transformer 4: Age of Extinction”: Marveling at Natural Bridges

Location: Wulong County, Chongqing

Best Season: Spring, Autumn and Winter

Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 days

How to Get There: take a train from Chongqing North Railway Station for 2 hours to Wulong County and transfer to a minibus from Wulong Bus Station to the Tourist Center on Xiannv Town for 30-50 minutes

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. Check more about Wulong Karst Landscape.

☛ 3 Days Chongqing & Wulong Karst Landscape Exploration Tour

☛ 4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

☛ 5 Days Chongqing, Yangtze Cruise & Wulong Karst Tour

Transformer 4 Filmed in Wulong, Chongqing

Soul-stirring Karst Landform of Wulong

Zhangye Danxia Landform in “The Great Wall”: Beholding Rainbow Mountains

Location: Zhangye City, Gansu Province

Best Season: Spring, Summer and Autumn

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 day

How to Get There: frequent buses are available from Zhangye Bus Station to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, for about 40 minutes

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. Learn more about Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park.

☛ 3 Days Zhangye Danxia Classic Private Tour

☛ 6 Days Zhangye Jiayuguan Dunhuang Discovery Tour

☛ 8 Days Qinghai Lake Zhangye Danxia Badain Jaran Desert Wonders Tour

The Great Wall flimed at Zhangye Danxia

Vibrant and Unique Zhangye Danxia Landform

Fujian Tulou in “Big Fish & Begonia”: Embracing Timeless Tulou Villages

Location: Fujian Province, China

Best Season: All year around

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 day

How to Get There: frequent buses are available from Xiamen Bus Station to Yongding County, where most Tulou clusters are located, for about 3-4 hours.

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. Learn more about Fujian Tulou.

☛ 3 Days Classic Xiamen and Fujian Tulou Tour

☛ 5 Days Xiamen, Fujian Tulou & Mount Wuyi Discovery Tour

☛ 5 Days Xiamen & Fujian Tulou Highlights Tour

Big Fish & Begonia filmed at Fujian Tulou

Awesome Architecture of Fujian Tulou

Beijing: The Heart of China's Imperial Capital

Movies filmed here: Kill Bill: Vol. 1; Kill Bill: Vol. 2; The Painted Veil, etc.

Highlighting Places to Go: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Hutongs, etc.

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.

☛ Check more about all things to do in Beijing.

☛ 3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour (Visa Free)

☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package

☛ 5 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Real Hutong Life Experience

Profound Beijing Forbidden City

Forbidden City Photed by Our Dear Guests

Shanghai: Vibrant Fusion of Past and Present

Movies filmed here: Mission: Impossible 3; 007：Skyfall; Her; Looper, etc.

Highlighting Places to Go: The Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar, Shanghai Disney Resort, etc.

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.

Check more about all things to do in Shanghai.

☛ 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour

☛ 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

☛ 8 Days Best of Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an

Classic Scene of The Bund

The Bund in Shanghai

Hong Kong: Iconic Blend of Culture and Commerce

Movies filmed here: Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life; Doctor Strange; Transformer 4: Age of Extinction; Pacific Rim, Enter the Dragon, etc.

Highlighting Places to Go: Hong Kong Skyline, Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Stanley Market, etc.

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.

☛ check more about all things to do in Hong Kong

☛ 2 Day Essence of Hong Kong Tour

☛ 6 Days Guilin In-depth Tour from Hong Kong

☛ 11 Days Fabulous China Tour from Hong Kong

Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong

Night View in Hong Kong

Guilin: Cruising along Nature's Masterpiece

Movies filmed here: The Painted Veil; Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith

Highlighting Places to Go: Li River, Yangshuo, West Street, Elephant Trunk Hill, 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.”

☛ Check more about all things to do in Guilin.

☛ 3 Days Classic Guilin Tour – Guilin Brief Vacation

☛ 4 Days Li River Hiking with Yangshuo Highlights Tour

☛ 5 Days Best Guilin In-depth Vacation

Picturesque Guilin Li River

Distinctive Guilin Yangshuo