Shanghai Unveils First Movie-Themed District, a New Hub for Film Buffs

Shanghai's first-ever film-themed district has officially made its debut!

The city unveiled Wutong Yingxiang (梧桐影巷) – the Wu'an Film District in Xuhui – on Monday morning, marking the launch of Shanghai's first neighborhood that integrates film art, the film industry and cinematic lifestyle experiences.

The Wu'an Film District spans about 0.4 square kilometers and sits at the crossroads of historic streets, including Wukang, Anfu, Wulumuqi M. and Huaihai M. roads.

Since the 1930s, hundreds of Chinese film artists have lived and worked in this area. Screen legends such as Zhao Dan, Qin Yi and Sun Daolin left behind unforgettable performances on the silver screen. More than 50 film-related heritage buildings, including the iconic Wukang Building and Rose Villa, still stand tall here, alongside nine vibrant film and performance institutions.

In recent years, popular Shanghai-set films such as "Myth of Love" and "This Is Not What I Expected" have been shot here, drawing countless visitors eager to explore the neighborhood. With its unique blend of historical charm and cinematic spirit, Wu'an Film District has become Shanghai's very first film-themed neighborhood.

One of the key highlights is the "cinematic moments garden" at the intersection of Fuxing Road W. and Yongfu Road, which has been decorated with film props and themed signage for photo opportunities.

The goal of creating this film district is to bring together scattered film resources in creative and engaging ways for people of all ages. By weaving cinematic culture into everyday life, the district aims to showcase the lasting charm and brilliance of film.

Nearly 200 new businesses in the district will embrace the film theme, developing fresh consumer experiences that blend cinema with lifestyle. New business formats such as "film + bookstore," "film + dining," "film + performance," "film + exhibition" and "film + sports" are taking shape. Four themed walking routes have also been launched to connect film IPs with cultural products, trendy merchandise, and entertainment experiences.

The well-known actors – Pan Hong, Zhou Yemang and Tong Ruixin – have been named the first "celebrity ambassadors" of the film district. Pan and Zhou shared details about their upcoming Shanghai-dialect film "Shanghai Wonton" during the launch of the film district.

Also serving as one of the celebrity ambassador, French food blogger Mylene Mathieu compared the bustling Wu'an Film District to the cinematic neighborhoods of Paris and other cities worldwide, noting that they all share the same cinematic atmosphere and charm. She expressed great anticipation for the district's opening, hoping it will offer an even richer and more social cinematic experience.