Step into the scenes of iconic films with this curated route through Shanghai’s cinematic landmarks. Perfect for travelers who Visit Shanghai seeking Shanghai attractions steeped in silver-screen history, this guide blends movie magic with cultural exploration. Pair your journey with Shanghai food tours or tours from Shanghai for a blockbuster-worthy adventure.
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1. The Bund: Skyline Drama in Her (2013)
The Bund’s Art Deco skyline and neon-lit promenade set the stage for Spike Jonze’s Her. Recreate Theodore’s contemplative stroll along the waterfront, or snap a sunset shot where Joaquin Phoenix’s character grappled with love and AI. For behind-the-scenes trivia, join a Shanghai group tour that reveals how filmmakers captured the Huangpu River’s glow. Tip: Evening visits mimic the film’s moody lighting.
2. Peace Hotel: Old-World Glamour in The White Countess (2005)
This 1929 Art Deco icon starred in The White Countess as a 1930s political intrigue hub. Sip a cocktail at the Jazz Bar, where octogenarian musicians play nightly, just as Ralph Fiennes’ character did. Book a Shanghai food tour that includes the hotel’s Dragon Phoenix Restaurant for crab dumplings fit for a silver-screen star.
3. French Concession: Espionage in Lust, Caution (2007)
Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution transformed the French Concession’s Shikumen alleyways into 1940s spy haunts. Wander Anfu Road, where Tang Wei’s character plotted, then duck into Lost Heaven for Yunnan dishes served in a moody, film-worthy setting. Tours from Shanghai often include cycling routes through these leafy, history-soaked streets.
4. Tianzifang: Quirky Backdrops in Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Though set in a fictional town, Kung Fu Hustle drew inspiration from Tianzifang’s labyrinth of art studios and cafés. Pose outside Comic Art Museum, where Stephen Chow’s slapstick meets Shanghai’s creative pulse. Pair your visit with a Shanghai food tour of the area’s sesame noodle stalls and craft beer bars.
5. Longhua Temple: Timeless Serenity in The Last Emperor (1987)
Bernardo Bertolucci’s Oscar-winning epic filmed scenes of imperial solemnity at Longhua Temple, a 1,700-year-old sanctuary. The pagoda and peach blossom gardens remain untouched by time. Visit during the Temple Fair (March–April) to see traditional opera performances. Many Shanghai group tours combine this with nearby Xujiahui Cathedral for a spiritual juxtaposition.
6. Jin Mao Tower: High-Octane Thrills in Mission: Impossible III (2006)
Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt scaled the Jin Mao Tower in MI:III , dodging bullets on its glass facade. Head to the Skywalk on the 88th floor for vertigo-inducing views of Pudong. Tours from Shanghai often bundle this with the Shanghai Tower’s observation deck for a full-throttle skyline experience.
7. Zhujiajiao: Water Town Romance in Shanghai Knights (2003)
This 1,700-year-old canal town starred in Jackie Chan’s Shanghai Knights. Glide under stone bridges on a paddleboat, then snack on sticky rice dumplings at Fangsheng Bridge. Opt for a Shanghai group tour that includes a twilight visit, when lanterns light the waterways like a kung fu flick’s climax.
Lights, Camera, Action! Plan Your Route
Start at the Bund at dawn, weave through the French Concession by noon, and end with Jin Mao Tower at sunset. For seamless logistics, book tours from Shanghai that transport you between locations. Hungry? Pause with Shanghai food tours in Tianzifang or Zhujiajiao for cinematic bites.
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