Changchun Film Studio Museum (长影旧址博物馆)

Changchun Film Studio (长春电影制片厂, Chang Ying) was founded in 1945, in the last months of the war against Japan, as the first film studio of what became the People's Republic of China. For the next three decades its studios, backlot and sound stages produced a huge share of the country's feature films. It remains the largest film studio complex in Asia.

The museum (长影旧址博物馆) sits on the original site in the city's western district, a short walk from Metro Line 3's film studio station.

Highlights

The 1945 sound stage. The first building on the site, restored to period condition, with original cameras, lighting rigs and recording booths on display.

The backlot street. A full-scale reproduction of a Republican-era street that served as a location for decades of productions. It is still used for shoots, so you may be walking through an active set.

The interactive shoot. The highlight. You are styled in period costume, handed a prop, and film a short scene on a real set, then watch it back on the big screen. It is genuinely good fun and it is included in the ¥90 ticket. Children in particular lose their minds here.

Film screenings. The museum shows restored classics made on this lot. Check the day's schedule on arrival and time your visit around a screening.

The star avenue. Busts and plaques honoring actors and directors who worked here, useful if you follow Chinese cinema history.

Practical Notes

¥90 ($12.60) including the interactive session. Allow 2-3 hours, longer if you queue for the shoot. Closed Mondays. The building is step-free in the main areas but has some ramps to watch on the backlot. English interpretation on the film history is basic; the interactive staff mostly guide by gesture, which works fine.