Planning a trip to China is about more than choosing cities and booking hotels. Movies can be a great way to get a feel for China's history, landscapes, traditions, food, and everyday life before you arrive.
From ancient dynasties and traditional villages to modern cities and spectacular natural scenery, Chinese cinema offers many different perspectives on the country. Here are 10 movies worth watching before your China trip.
The Last Emperor – Imperial China and Beijing
Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor follows the life of Puyi, China's final emperor, and offers a fascinating look at China's imperial past. Much of the film's visual appeal comes from its portrayal of the Forbidden City and historic Beijing. For travelers visiting Beijing, the movie provides an interesting introduction to the city's imperial history and architecture.
Hero – Ancient China and Spectacular Landscapes
Zhang Yimou's Hero is a visually stunning historical film set during the Warring States period. The movie combines martial arts, history, and dramatic Chinese landscapes.
Its beautiful scenery can inspire travelers interested in China's mountains, lakes, deserts, and historic sites. It is especially worth watching if you plan to explore China's scenic western regions.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – Traditional China and Martial Arts
Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon combines martial arts with beautiful landscapes and traditional Chinese culture. The film is known for its atmospheric countryside scenery, historic architecture, and classic wuxia storytelling. It is a great choice for travelers who want to experience a more artistic and traditional vision of China before their trip.
Farewell My Concubine – Beijing, Opera and Chinese History
Farewell My Concubine, directed by Chen Kaige, follows two Peking Opera performers through decades of dramatic changes in China.
The film introduces viewers to Peking Opera while exploring the country's complex 20th-century history. It is particularly interesting for travelers visiting Beijing who want to learn more about Chinese performing arts and cultural traditions.
Raise the Red Lantern – Traditional Chinese Architecture
Zhang Yimou's Raise the Red Lantern offers a visually striking look at traditional Chinese architecture and life in a wealthy household during the 1920s.
The courtyards, buildings, lanterns, costumes, and carefully designed settings make the movie particularly interesting for travelers fascinated by Chinese heritage and historic architecture.
To Live – Understanding China's Recent History
To Live tells the story of one Chinese family experiencing major changes during the 20th century. The film provides a personal perspective on China's history and the challenges faced by ordinary people.
It is a thoughtful choice for travelers who want to understand more about China's modern history and how historical events affected everyday life.
Beijing Bicycle – Modern Life in Beijing
For a look at everyday life in modern Beijing, Beijing Bicycle offers a very different perspective from historical dramas.
The story follows a young bicycle courier navigating the busy streets of Beijing. The film provides glimpses of the city's neighborhoods, transportation, and changing urban lifestyle.
Wolf Totem – Grasslands and Nomadic Culture
Wolf Totem takes viewers away from China's major cities and into the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. The story follows a young Beijing student who lives among nomadic herders and becomes fascinated by the wolves of the region.
The movie is an excellent choice for travelers interested in China's vast landscapes, traditional lifestyles, and connection between people and nature.
The Wandering Earth – A Modern Chinese Sci-Fi Experience
If you prefer science fiction, The Wandering Earth is a great introduction to modern Chinese cinema. Released in 2019, the film is based on a story by Chinese science-fiction writer Liu Cixin and follows humanity's attempt to move Earth away from an expanding Sun.
While it does not show traditional China, it offers a glimpse into the scale and ambition of contemporary Chinese filmmaking.
Kung Fu Hustle – A Fun Introduction to Chinese Cinema
Kung Fu Hustle is a lighthearted choice for travelers who want something entertaining. Combining comedy, martial arts, and exaggerated action, the film presents a playful version of traditional Chinese kung fu.
It is not intended as a realistic picture of China, but it is an enjoyable way to become familiar with one of the country's most famous cinematic traditions.
Watch Before You Travel to China
Watching movies before visiting China can make your trip more meaningful. Historical films can help you understand China's past, while modern stories provide a glimpse into changing cities and everyday life.
From Beijing and Xi'an to Shanghai, Xinjiang, and China's mountain and desert regions, these movies can inspire you to explore beyond the most familiar tourist attractions. Once you arrive, you'll have the opportunity to experience the landscapes, culture, food, architecture, and traditions for yourself.
