Famous Movies You Didn’t Know Were Shot in China

Did you really think China would fall behind in this list? China’s step in to the world of movies has been gradual and it’s finally time to sit up and take notice. The futuristic structures, the magnificent architecture and the historical flourishes. China displays modernity and tradition simultaneously and the movies show it perfectly!

Check out which Bollywood and Hollywood films have encapsulated China’s magic on the big screen:

1.Skyfall (2012):

The Bond movies surely take you places and Skyfall doesn’t disappoint either. Shot around the world, the peregrinations ultimately reach China! The location featured is Shanghai and its magical skyline. While there are other scenes showing China, many have been recreated in the studio itself (Think Macau Casino).

2.The Karate Kid (2010):

When single mother Sherry Parker (played by Taraji Henson,) is relocated with her son Dre (played by Jaden Smith), from Detroit to Beijing, the audience explores the city with them. Right from their arrival at the busy airport in the capital, the movie devotes a lot of screen space to Beijing. From the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, where the kids head for a school trip, to the backlot showing traditional Beijing residences where Mr. Han (played by Jackie Chan) stays, Beijing plays an integral part in the movie. The movie also features the Wangfujing Snack Street in Beijing, famous for its deep-fried scorpion and other interesting delicacies. Besides the Great Wall (flashback to the training scene), the movie allows the viewer to explore other unseen treasures of the city.

3.The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008):

This movie features the main city of Shanghai, along with scenes in Tianmo (Hebei Province) as well as Dongguan (Guandong Province). It also showcases the tomb of the Terracotta Army, built during Emperor Xian Qin’s reign. Remember in the movie how there are crossbow traps in the tomb? Well, that might be based on fact! According to Chinese archaeologists, work on the excavation of the Terracotta Army is progressing slowly because the excavation site is filled with similar traps.

4.Mission Impossible 3 (2006):

 

Though shot over diverse locations, the China locales in this movie still have more screen time than Anil Kapoor did in MI4! The night skyline of Shanghai, with its glittering skyscrapers, is especially memorable.The famous “Rabbit’s Foot” delivery scene is shot in Shanghai, along the Xitang River, showcasing some hard-hitting action over the canal.

5.Chandni Chowk to China(2009):

Closer to home, our very own Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone showcase some action-packed moves on the Great Wall in Chandni Chowk to China. Majority of the scenes are shot in and around the Forbidden City.

6.Jeans(1998):

 

This 1998 movie, featuring Aishwarya Rai, shot parts of its famous song ‘Ajooba’ at the Great Wall of China. You should definitely check out the video and, quite literally, dance your way along this incredible architectural wonder.

Who knew watching movies would work as a travel guide? So don’t forget to watch these movies before planning your next family vacation to China.