Review: Zhongshan Film and Television City (中山影视城)

Experience: 4.5/5 | Historical Ambience: 4/5 | Photo Value: 5/5
Zhongshan Film and Television City is much more than just a filming location; it’s an extensive themed park that serves as a vibrant backdrop for learning about the revolutionary life of Dr. Sun Yat-sen while offering excellent opportunities for creative photography.

A Journey Around the World
The primary appeal of the Film City lies in its diverse, elaborate, and well-maintained sets. The complex is deliberately designed to reproduce the environments relevant to Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary activities across the globe, allowing visitors to instantly "travel" to different settings:

Chinese District: This section recreates the ambiance of the Republic of China era, featuring classic Guangzhou arcade buildings (Qilou), and reproductions of key sites like the Nanjing Presidential Palace. This is the heart of the historical and patriotic education component.

International Districts: The park boasts highly popular areas like the Japanese District (complete with traditional wooden structures and cherry blossom backdrops), the British District (with Gothic architecture like a church), and the American District (featuring streets that evoke New York).

The Visitor Experience
The Film City excels as a photographer’s paradise. Many visitors rent period costumes—such as qipaos (cheongsams), traditional Hanfu, or Japanese kimonos—to fully immerse themselves and capture stunning, thematic photos in the various settings. It’s a fun, engaging, and dynamic way to interact with history and culture.

For families and general tourists, the park is large and easy to navigate, often featuring live performances, especially during holidays, adding to the bustling atmosphere.

Practical Tips
Location: The Film City is conveniently located right next to Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence, making it essential to visit both sites together. The Residence provides the intimate historical context, while the Film City provides the broader historical backdrop.

Time Commitment: Allow 2 to 3 hours to walk the main routes and explore all the international and Chinese themed areas, and significantly more time if you plan on participating in costume rentals and photo shoots.

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded, offering better opportunities for unobstructed photos.

In summary, Zhongshan Film and Television City offers a unique combination of patriotic education and cinematic fun. It is one of the most entertaining and visually rewarding attractions in the Zhongshan area.