The Shanghai International Film Festival is embracing a unique strategy to boost China's movie tourism industry, showcasing the country's cinematic heritage through a captivating program titled "Grand Landscape: A Cinematic Portrait of China." This initiative highlights the profound impact of films on tourism, as evidenced by the recent success of movies like "Pegasus 3" and "Dear You." These films have not only dominated the box office but have also sparked a surge in tourism to their respective shooting locations, such as Qinghai province and the cities of Shantou, Chaozhou, and Jieyang. The festival's programming manager, Freda Fan, emphasizes the growing trend of film tourism, noting its significant impact on various regions over the past five years. The "Grand Landscape" program, featuring 15 Chinese classics from 1960 to the present, strategically pairs iconic films with their respective scenic locations, enticing audiences to explore beyond the cinematic experience. For instance, the 1960s musical "Third Sister Liu" captivated audiences with its stunning visuals of Guangxi, while Tsui Hark's "The Taking of Tiger Mountain" showcased the breathtaking landscapes of Heilongjiang. Fan's vision behind this program is to provide a comprehensive overview of Chinese cinema, emphasizing its geographical and cultural diversity. By selecting films that represent distinct regions and cultures, from the mountains of Tibet to the island of Hainan, the festival aims to offer a rich historical perspective on Chinese filmmaking. The festival's efforts are supported by local and national tourism authorities, who have launched initiatives like "Taste Cuisine with Films" and "Shopping with Films" to further integrate film and tourism. The Shanghai International Film Festival's "Grand Landscape" program not only celebrates China's cinematic legacy but also contributes to the country's economic recovery post-pandemic. The China Film Administration's report reveals a significant economic impact, with each yuan earned from the domestic box office generating 15.77 yuan for related industries, with tourism playing a pivotal role. While the program's selection of 15 films may not fully represent China's diverse cinematic landscape, it serves as a compelling starting point to explore the country's rich film history and its ability to inspire real-world travel. As the festival continues to promote film tourism, it opens up new possibilities for understanding the intricate relationship between cinema and travel, offering a unique perspective on China's cultural and economic evolution.
