Chongqing - In recent years, Chongqing has emerged as a prime location for film and television production, drawing over 100 film, TV, and online media projects annually. With its unique blend of urban modernity and natural beauty, with the addition of supporting services, the city is quickly becoming a favored location for both domestic and international productions.

Staff demonstrate virtual filming technology in a digital tech studio in Yongchuan District, Chongqing. (Photo/Cui Li, Visual Chongqing)

Directors’ dream backdrop

Chongqing’s stunning landscapes, which feature dramatic river valleys and mountainous terrain, offer filmmakers unparalleled scenery. This combination of vibrant cityscapes, traditional architectural sites, and lush natural surroundings makes Chongqing an ideal backdrop for diverse storytelling. These features have inspired numerous productions, from blockbuster hits like Chongqing Hot Pot to acclaimed dramas like Better Days.

In response to this demand, Chongqing has developed a “one core, two belts” film hub model, featuring urban scenes along the core areas of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, ethnic cultural sites in southeastern Chongqing, and historic locations along the Yangtze River. Six key film bases, including the Yongchuan Technology Studio and Wulong’s Tiansheng Sanqiao (Three Natural Bridges), cater to a variety of production needs, from on-location shoots to cutting-edge virtual filming.

Technology-driven transformation

As technology reshapes the film industry, Chongqing is at the forefront, leveraging advancements like artificial intelligence and virtual filming to fuel production. In June, the city hosted China’s first film event dedicated to the intersection of film and technology—the China Chongqing Science and Technology Film Week—where it launched the Western China Film Technology Innovation Center and a digital asset platform to accelerate industry growth.

With facilities like Yongchuan Technology Studio, Chongqing offers LED virtual sets and comprehensive visual production services, attracting high-profile projects like Jackie Chan’s Panda Plan. This film was shot partially on virtual sets in Yongchuan, which generated over 30 million yuan (about 4.18 million U.S. dollars) in local revenue and supported regional industries.

Streamlined services enhance production efficiency

Recognizing the importance of a supportive ecosystem, Chongqing enhances its film production environment through streamlined services and government support. Policies now include rewards for significant cultural works, grants for emerging talent, and fast-tracked approvals for web-based series, making it easier for producers to bring stories to life. In June of this year, the city launched an app to provide filmmakers with a VR platform to explore locations and resources, from props to costumes, offering convenient, high-tech assistance.

Initiatives like these have contributed to Chongqing’s rise as a national hub, fostering a creative landscape that supports emerging and established filmmakers. Chongqing’s commitment to technological innovation, natural charm, and industry-friendly policies have firmly positioned it as a dynamic and growing center for film production in China.

(Zhou Shuangshuang, a reporter from Chongqing Daily, contributed the Chinese version of this report.)