From bamboo forests to rainbow-colored mountains, China’s landscapes have taken center stage in some of the most visually stunning movies of the last few decades. If you’ve ever watched a film and thought, “Where is that? I want to go there!” — this one’s for you. Here are six popular movies filmed in China that showcase its beauty and the real-life locations behind the scenes, along with information on how to visit these locations.
1. The Great Wall (2016)
Matt Damon’s fantasy action film was filmed against the jaw-dropping backdrop of the Zhangye Danxia Landform, known for its surreal, rainbow-colored mountains. Part of the film was also shot at the Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis, one of the world’s largest film studios.
Location: Zhangye Danxia & Qingdao, Gansu and Shandong Provinces
Airport:
- For Zhangye Danxia: Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY)
- For Qingdao: Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO)
How to get there:
- From Zhangye Airport, take a taxi or a local tour bus to Danxia Geological Park, a 1-hour ride away.
- From Qingdao Airport, use the metro or a taxi to reach the city or Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis in the West Coast New Area.
Travel tip: Zhangye Danxia is best viewed during sunrise or sunset, when the colors are at their most vibrant.
2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
This Oscar-winning martial arts film took us into China’s most enchanting natural settings. Remember the epic treetop fight? That was filmed in the Anji Bamboo Forest. You’ll also spot the dreamy Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) and Jiayuguan, part of the western Great Wall.
Location: Anji Bamboo Forest, Mount Huangshan, Jiayuguan Pass
Airports:
- For Anji Bamboo Forest: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
- For Huangshan: Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (TXN)
- For Jiayuguan: Jiayuguan Airport (JGN)
How to get there:
- Anji is a 2–3 hour drive from Hangzhou; buses and private transfers are available.
- From Huangshan Airport, take a taxi or shuttle to the scenic area, which takes approximately 1 hour.
- Jiayuguan is a small and easily navigable city, with taxis and hotel pickups readily available.
Travel tip: Huangshan’s cable cars save time on steep hikes and offer incredible views.
3. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
This action-packed film features skyscraper battles in Hong Kong, as well as stunning scenes at Wulong Karst National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its limestone bridges and caves.
Location: Hong Kong, Wulong Karst (Chongqing), Great Wall
Airports:
- For Hong Kong: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
- For Wulong Karst: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
- For the Great Wall: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
How to get there:
- In Hong Kong, the MTR (metro) connects most tourist areas.
- From Chongqing, take a high-speed train or bus to Wulong (about 3–4 hours), then a local shuttle to the Karst park.
- From Beijing, book a tour or take a train to the Badaling or Mutianyu sections of the Great Wall.
Travel tip: Wulong’s Three Natural Bridges are best explored with a guided tour to navigate the vast park.
4. Hero (2002)
Known for its use of color and natural beauty, this film was shot in locations such as Jiuzhaigou Valley, featuring turquoise lakes and waterfalls, as well as the rolling deserts of Inner Mongolia.
Location: Jiuzhaigou Valley, Inner Mongolia, Hangzhou
Airports:
- For Jiuzhaigou: Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH)
- For Inner Mongolia (desert scenes): Hohhot Baita International Airport (HET)
- For Hangzhou: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
How to get there:
- From Jiuzhai Airport, take a shuttle or private car to the park, which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive.
- Hohhot offers buses and tours to desert regions, such as the Resonant Sand Gorge.
- From Hangzhou Airport, take the metro or a taxi to West Lake and nearby temples.
Travel tip: Jiuzhaigou requires entry tickets booked in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Mulan (2020)
Although some scenes were filmed in New Zealand, much of the epic scenery was sourced from China, particularly the deserts and mountains of Xinjiang, as well as the colorful hills of Zhangye Danxia.
Location: Xinjiang, Hebei Province, Zhangye (Gansu)
Airports:
- For Xinjiang: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC)
- For Hebei: Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW)
- For Zhangye Danxia: Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY)
How to get there:
- Urumqi serves as the gateway to many parts of Xinjiang; domestic flights or guided tours can help reach more remote areas.
- From Shijiazhuang, use trains or buses to explore Hebei’s cultural sites.
- Zhangye Danxia is about an hour by taxi or local shuttle from Zhangye Airport.
Travel tip: Travel in Xinjiang can be slower—plan for longer distances and occasional travel restrictions.
6. The Karate Kid (2010)
This reboot starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan gave us a peek into Beijing’s Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the serene Wudang Mountains — a real-life kung fu training site.
Location: Beijing, Wudang Mountains
Airports:
- For Beijing: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- For Wudang Mountains: Xiangyang Liuji Airport (XFN), then travel to Wudangshan
How to get there:
- From Beijing Airport, take the metro, bus, or taxi to central sites, such as the Forbidden City or the Great Wall.
- To reach Wudangshan, fly into Xiangyang and then take a train or car to Wudang Town, a 2-hour journey away.
Travel tip: Wudang is less touristy than many other destinations, making it an ideal spot for peaceful hiking and visits to Taoist temples.
Ready to Plan Your Trip to China?
If you’re dreaming of seeing China’s film-worthy scenery in person, don’t forget your Chinese visa. Not near a Chinese consulate? The China Visa Department makes the process easy. They offer virtual consultations, assistance with paperwork, and courier delivery directly to the embassy.
Plan Ahead: How the China Visa Department Can Help
To visit any of the backdrops of these movies filmed in China, you’ll need a valid tourist visa to enter the country.
That’s where the China Visa Department comes in.
Whether you live far from a Chinese consulate or simply need assistance with the paperwork, the China Visa Department streamlines the process.
Here’s how we can help:
- Virtual consultations: Meet with a visa expert online to ask questions and prepare your application.
- Paperwork support: They’ll guide you through every document step, from your invitation letter (if needed) to your photo.
- Courier delivery: You don’t have to visit the consulate yourself — they’ll deliver your completed application to the appropriate Chinese embassy or consulate on your behalf.
- Fast turnaround: Their process is quick and efficient, making it perfect for travelers planning a trip on short notice.
If you’re ready to start planning your cinematic adventure in China, contact us to schedule a consultation and get your visa process moving.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re into action, fantasy, or historical drama, these movies filmed in China have brought unforgettable stories to life. Now it’s your turn to step into the scene.
Do you have any favorite movies filmed in China? Let us know — it might just help others plan their next adventure.