Explore China through the Famous Film Studios in Shanghai

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Embark on a Journey through the Renowned Film Studios in Shanghai, China

Discover the charming alley of Y Binh's house in 'The Farewell Echo' or Trần Tử Khôn's watch store in 'Love Story in Shanghai.'

Embark on a Journey through the Renowned Film Studios in Shanghai, China

Chedun Film Studio, located in Songjiang district, Southwest Shanghai, China, opened its doors in 1998 and became the backdrop for many Republic-era films in Chinese cinema. Numerous structures are faithfully recreated to match the 1930s design. The film studio not only hosts film scenes but also welcomes visitors during specific hours of the day.

To reach here, travelers face a challenging journey, especially without knowledge of Chinese or a local guide. The distant location and the scarcity of English speakers make this studio relatively unknown to foreign tourists. However, the rewarding feeling of stepping onto the set of beloved films makes the effort worthwhile.

If there's no ongoing filming, the studio usually opens for visitors from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Occasionally, some productions start shooting around noon. Visiting on such days can be fortunate as actors often arrive early for makeup and costume changes.

Immerse yourself in the nostalgic ambiance of young men and women donning vintage attire, accompanied by the melodious hum of the tram. Experience a time-reversing sensation, transporting you to the early 20th century.

Prepare to be enthralled as you discover the famous alley of Y Binh's residence in 'The Farewell Echo' or the bridge where she tragically ended her life after being forsaken by Thu Hoan. Wander through Nam Kinh street, known for its intersecting tram lines and scenes of high school girls in blue and white uniforms heading to school. You may also recognize the large warehouse – a site for intense clashes near the Shanghai port a century ago.

The electric train on Nam Kinh street provides complimentary rides, though the wait can be lengthy, and the journey short. Just enough to immerse yourself in the vintage atmosphere reminiscent of classic national films.

Entrance tickets are priced at 50 yuan, approximately 180,000 VND. Visitors receive a detailed map in English, marking key points of interest for easy exploration. Wedding photoshoots here can be expensive, reaching several hundred yuan, but the film set is not crowded with couples.

The film set's structures faithfully recreate the original designs. Currently, most of these structures remain authentically preserved in downtown Shanghai. Key features include Nam Kinh street, Southwest Kinh street, quaint alleys with ancient stone gates, churches, Ngoai Bach bridge, squares, schools, hospitals, the Hua Bin theater, European-style villas, Tuo Chau-style canals, and Japanese military camps. Most are external settings, restricting access to the interiors.

At 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM, special performances lasting 20 minutes are held for visitors. Feel free to inquire with the coordinators to avoid missing out.

The film studio premises boast numerous restaurants and cafes serving tourists at reasonable prices. The area is meticulously protected, alleviating concerns about security. However, the major drawback of the film studio, much like any other tourist spot in China, is the constant influx of tourists, making it challenging to capture a 'clean' photo without any disruptions.

* Getting to Chedun Film Studio:

There are several ways to reach this destination, all converging at Chedun bus terminal. The most common route involves taking metro line 1 from the city center to Lianhua station, then boarding bus route Lianshi to Chedun terminal. From there, it's a walk of approximately 800-1,000 meters, or you can opt for a taxi.