How about stepping into the world of your favorite Chinese films and TV dramas during the May Day holiday? From dazzling streets to serene landscapes, Guangdong is a real-life film set, offering a unique holiday experience for both movie buffs and travel enthusiasts!
Jiangmen
Jiangmen, known as the hometown of overseas Chinese, has preserved a large number of historical buildings ideal for shooting period dramas.
On the historic 33 Xu Street (三十三墟街), the cobblestone streets echo the story of "The Knockout." At Donghu Park (东湖公园), vibrant bougainvillea blooms frame scenes from "Playing Go," while Chikan Ancient Town (赤坎华侨古镇) invites travelers to don traditional attire and reenact "The Grandmaster" beneath arched gateways. Cap your journey at Kaiping Diaolou, a UNESCO site where the bullet-riddled drama of "Let the Bullets Fly" unfolds.
(Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province)
(Photo: Qingyuan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Guangzhou
Relive "The Shadow Play" over dim sum at Panxi Restaurant (泮溪酒家), then stroll through Shamian Island's Western-style architecture. Ascend the Guangzhou International Finance Centre, the filming site of "Out of Inferno", for skyline panoramas. In the evening, enjoy a neon-lit cruise along the Pearl River—no filter needed for this stunning view!
(Photo: Guangzhou Liwan Fabu)
(Photo: Guangzhou Tianhe Fabu)
(Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province)
Foshan
Foshan, the birthplace of legendary kung fu masters like Ip Man, is a haven for martial arts enthusiasts. Take a rickshaw through the CCTV Nanhai Movie and TV Town (南海影视城), where the secrets of "Bodyguards and Assassins" unfold. At Xiqiao Film Studio (西樵山国艺影视城), dive into live-action role-playing inspired by "Chasing the Dragon". You can also learn some Wing Chun moves at Foshan Ancestral Temple (祖庙) and enjoy a feast at Lingnan Tiandi (岭南天地), where the food rivals the culinary battles in "Cook up a Storm".
(Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province)
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Zhanjiang
Chikan Ancient Street (赤坎老街), once Chikan Ancient Commercial Port, boasts a rich history and a unique blend of European and Lingnan-style architecture with a Nanyang flair. Featured in the TV series "The Bad Kids," it is the largest and most well-preserved architectural complex in Zhanjiang. The street is famous for its Nanyang arcades and ancient docks. Tourists can enjoy a bowl of oyster and clam congee, fresh seafood, and local snacks at hidden gem restaurants.
(Photo: Zhanjiang Fabu)
Yangjiang
Yangjiang's Chunwan Town is renowned for its stunning Karst landscapes. The Chunwan Scenic Area (春湾风景区) features striking peaks and picturesque lakes, offering captivating views. The Chunwan Stone Forest within the scenic area has long been a popular filming location, with over 20 films and TV dramas shot here since the 1980s, including "A Better Tomorrow," "Justice Bao," and "Fist of Fury," among many other beloved classics.
(Photo: Guangdong Yangjiang Fabu)
Chaozhou & Shantou
Chaozhou's Qinglan Guaijiu Valley Tourist Area (青岚怪臼谷旅游区), boasting unique pits, caves, rocks, and other natural wonders, is the outdoor shooting location of "Never Say Die." After exploring Paifang Street (牌坊街) and Longhu Ancient Village (龙湖古寨) and enjoying authentic local cuisine like beef balls, you can visit Nan'ao Island (南澳岛) in nearby Shantou City to experience paragliding and water sports like the protagonists in "Only Fools Rush In."
(Photo: Chaozhou Fabu)
(Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province)
(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Shenzhen
The Yangmeikeng (杨梅坑) area, home to Shenzhen's most beautiful coastline, is the filming location for "The Mermaid". On clear days, the crystal-clear waters create a breathtaking view, while the seaside boardwalk and road offer unbeatable vistas.
(Photo: Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
At Luzui Villa (鹿嘴山庄), built along the coast, visitors can take a sightseeing car to explore the nearly 5-kilometer Luzui Trail, which leads to Luzui Beach for a relaxing stroll.
(Photo: Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Dongguan
Dongguan has become a popular destination for filmmakers in recent years. Tongsha Ecological Park (同沙生态公园), featured in the film "YOLO", is known for its scenic lawns, cinematic trees, and clear lakes that reflect the sky. It's a perfect spot for cycling and camping.
(Photo: Dongguan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Shilong Town (石龙镇), with its iconic arcaded buildings and bustling streets, has also attracted film crews. Featured in films like "Nice View" and "The Big Shot", Shilong's Zhongshan Road, a century-old commercial street, is lined with over 500 shops and rich in historical charm.
(Photo: Dongguan Fabu)
Zhuhai
As a garden-like coastal city, Zhuhai serves as a natural film set. From early films like "Shaolin Soccer" and "From Vegas to Macau" to recent hits such as "Fireflies in the Sun" and the TV drama "Home about Us", Zhuhai has long been a popular filming destination.
(Photo: Zhuhai Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Visitors can enjoy cycling along Lovers' Road or exploring the Whale & Shark Pavilion at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom (长隆海洋王国). For breathtaking sea views, head to Hengshiji Beach (横石基沙滩) and Xianglu Bay Beach (香炉湾沙滩). Don't miss the chance to admire the city's landmarks, including Zhuhai Grand Theatre (珠海大剧院) and Haitian Park (海天公园), from the Sea & Sky (Haitian) Rest Station Boardwalk (海天驿站景观栈道).
(Photo: Zhuhai Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Zhongshan
Zhongshan Movie Town (中山影视城) has served as the filming location for over 200 films and TV dramas, such as "For the Sake of the Republic" and "One Dream One Home". Every street scene is rich in historical ambiance, and you might even run into a filming crew by chance!
(Photo: Zhongshan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Chadong Village (茶东村), featured in the TV drama "The Thunder", houses the best-preserved Qing Dynasty ancestral halls in the Pearl River Delta. Strolling through ancient stone-paved alleys, visitors can admire the connected halls of the Chen Clan and their exquisite stone carvings, lime sculptures, and intricately designed wooden eaves.
(Photo: Zhongshan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Zhaoqing
Xinghu Scenic Area (星湖风景区), a national 5A-level attraction in Zhaoqing, features two main sites: the Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain. The area was also a filming location for the classic television series "Journey to the West". For example, the Chumi Cave of Seven Star Crags served as the lair of the monsters in the series. Visitors can enjoy stunning landscapes of karst peaks, caves, lakes, and Taoist temples at Seven Star Crags, as well as the lush forests and waterfalls of Dinghu Mountain.
(Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province)
(Photo: Xinghu Scenic Area)
Shaoguan
Shaoguan's Danxia Mountain (丹霞山), a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site featured in the TVB series "Gods of Honour," boasts red cliffs, deep gorges, and lush green pine forests. The Ruyuan Grand Canyon (乳源大峡谷), a filming location for "The Blood Sword," is dotted with rivers, waterfalls, serene valleys, hills, and shining green grasslands.
(Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province)
(Photo: Shaoguan Fabu)
Additionally, Pingtian Town (坪田镇), famous for its ancient ginkgo trees, was also featured in the movie "Dearest". With over 5,000 ginkgoes, some over 100 years old, it adds a timeless charm to Shaoguan's scenic beauty.
(Photo: Guangdong Fabu)
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Cai Junru
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
