Chongqing - Over the past decade, more than 500 films have chosen Chongqing as their backdrop; the city's surreal beauty continues to inspire global filmmakers.
Now, Chongqing is once again in the spotlight. On July 3, the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival will open in Yongchuan District — the first time in seven years the event is hosted by China, and the first SCO film event to focus on "film + technology." So why Chongqing? And why Yongchuan?
Tourists pose for photos at Huangjueping Graffiti Street in Jiulongpo District, Chongqing. (Photo/Zheng Yu)
A City Built for Filmmaking
Chongqing's cinematic appeal runs deep. During World War II, the city became China's wartime filmmaking center. Over 200 films were produced here during that period, including Children of China, one of the first Chinese films to win an international award.
In recent decades, Chongqing’s steep hills, aerial walkways, and gritty charm have captured the imagination of directors. From Crazy Stone to Chongqing Hot Pot, the city’s layered topography and neon glow have made it a ready-made film set. However, what truly sets Chongqing apart is its industrial strength behind the scenes.
For instance, the Yongchuan Sci-Tech Film Studio offers cutting-edge LED virtual production, rendering sets in real time, from deserts to starlit skies. With up to 40% efficiency gains, it has become a sought-after destination for high-end productions like Resurrection, a Cannes-winning film. The studio, operated by Dawa Future (Chongqing) Imaging Technology Co., Ltd., already collaborates with over 150 companies across the film production chain.
Yongchuan Sci-Tech Film Studio. (Photo/Mei Yao)
Other major film hubs in Chongqing include: Liangjiang International Film City, known for historical films like Back to 1942; Jiangjin Baisha Film and Television Base, ideal for period dramas; and Wulong Tiansheng Sanqiao Film and Television Base, where Transformers 4 and Curse of the Golden Flower were shot.
“The rise of tech-powered production hubs like Yongchuan allows Chongqing to leapfrog traditional film bases.” According to Liu Fan, professor at Southwest University and vice chairman of the Chongqing Film Association, Chongqing is not just a beautiful backdrop anymore — it’s an ecosystem.
From Policy Support to Global Platform
Chongqing’s film rise is not just organic — it’s also strategic. In recent years, the city has rolled out supportive policies, from funding and permits to talent development. Its one-stop filming services platform has helped over 500 productions coordinate access to nearly 5,000 filming locations.
Local films are also making waves. Struggle and Courage, produced and led by Chongqing filmmakers, was recently nominated for Best Rural-themed Film at the Huabiao Awards. In May, four new films were registered by Chongqing-based production companies.
The poster of Struggle and Courage.
Beyond production, the city is cultivating a vibrant cinematic culture. The Chongqing Youth Film Festival, now in its 12th year, nurtures new voices, while the China Chongqing Science and Technology Film Week, launched in 2024, is the country’s first major event focused on “film + tech.”
Why Yongchuan? Where Film Meets Future
The SCO Film Festival’s choice of Yongchuan was no accident. Its 5,000-square-meter virtual studio will host the festival’s opening and closing ceremonies — the first time a major international film event will stage its key moments inside a virtual production environment.
Phase II of Yongchuan Sci-Tech Film Studio is the main venue for the festival’s opening ceremony. (Photo/Mei Yao)
According to Guan Zhongxiao, Secretary of the CPC Yongchuan District Committee, the district has aligned its development with tech-driven industries like digital filmmaking. By leveraging its strong vocational base, Yongchuan has trained over 5,000 skilled workers in visual effects, digital assets, and AI-powered production.
From war-era film reels to virtual studios, Chongqing’s film journey is as layered as the city itself. As filmmakers from SCO nations gather in Yongchuan, the city is ready to host and help shape cinema's future.