Guanlan Lake Huayi Feng Xiaogang Film Commune

History and Significance

If you ever find yourself in Haikou, Hainan, craving a travel experience that mixes stunning architecture, nostalgic charm, and film culture, the Guanlan Lake Huayi Feng Xiaogang Film Commune is where you want to go. This film-themed town isn’t just a movie set; it’s a sprawling cultural and entertainment complex that celebrates the cinematic worlds created by the famous Chinese director Feng Xiaogang. Built in 2011 and covering roughly 930,000 square meters, it’s the world’s first film-themed tourism project named after a director—an ambitious blend of history, artistry, and commercial vitality.

The commune showcases the evolution of Chinese cityscapes through the 20th century, drawing architectural inspiration from Feng Xiaogang’s well-known films like 1942, Tangshan Earthquake, and If You Are the One. Walking its streets feels like stepping into an elaborate and vivid time capsule that captures provincial towns, historical eras, and urban settings from Republican China to the mid-century. More than a passive backdrop, this film commune acts as a dynamic narrative space that immerses visitors into stories of the past while celebrating cinematic craft.

Its significance is both cultural and artistic: a muse and memorial to Feng’s film legacy, an experiential museum of Chinese urban and cinematic history, and an innovative tourist attraction that highlights film production’s role in regional cultural tourism. The commune sits near the Mission Hills Haikou International Golf Resort, linking leisure, entertainment, and heritage in one expansive locale.

Main Attractions and Activities

When you arrive, the first thing that will hit you is the authenticity of the townscapes. Here’s the deal—you’ll wander streets painstakingly designed to mirror different eras and cities:

• 1942 Street: This area brings to life the architectural style of Republican-era Chongqing during the 1940s. The 91 buildings include replicas of significant landmarks like Chiang Kai-shek’s residence and iconic theaters of the period. Walking here, you might feel like you’re in the middle of the movie 1942, surrounded by historically accurate settings.

• Nanyang Street: A bustling 300-meter-long street with about 70 buildings, it echoes the charm and hustle of southern coastal cities of the time, offering quaint shops and traditional architecture, perfect for snapping photos while donning period costumes.

• Traditional Beijing Street: This district recreates the feel of Beijing in the 1950s-1960s, with vintage lamps, tiled roofs, and signage that add to the immersive experience.

• Church and Square District: European influences shine here—cobblestone squares and old churches bring a different flavor, reflecting the cosmopolitan side of Chinese cities during the 20th century.

• Feng’s New Year Movie Garden: Drawing from Feng Xiaogang’s famous films, this area features landscapes and sets that evoke the emotional tones of his New Year releases, combining festive decorations and theatrical staging.

Besides exploring these streets, you can enjoy film-related exhibitions that dive into movie-making techniques and Feng’s career, watch street performances recreating historical scenes, and try on costumes such as military uniforms or traditional cheongsams to make your photos pop. The commune also offers restaurants with themed decor and special snacks that add to the nostalgic environment.

Visitor Experience

I have to say, this place truly transports you. Walking through the town, you don’t just see the architecture—you feel the stories embedded in the cracked pavements and old-style windows. It’s a cinematic pilgrimage for fans and a fun deep-dive for curious travelers. Families, photographers, and history buffs alike rave about the immersive, almost surreal atmosphere.

During my visit, I found people happily dressing up in period costumes—some locals, some tourists—turning the commune into a lively stage. The ambiance is peaceful enough for contemplation but lively enough for entertainment. Performances and interactive guides bring the stories behind the films and sets to life, also providing insights into China’s urban evolution.

A word of caution: be ready for crowds on holidays or weekends, when the commune’s popularity peaks, but even then, the large area lets you find your own space for exploring and photographing.

Tips for Visitors

Here are some nuggets to maximize your visit:

• Buy the combined ticket if you want access to all the main areas; sometimes the sites are split, so plan accordingly.

• Early visits on weekdays are best if you want to avoid the bigger crowds.

• Costume rentals are a highlight—try them early if you want prime snaps, especially in Nanyang Street or 1942 Street.

• Pack sunscreen and water—the outdoor sets offer shade, but much walking and waiting in the sun.

• Bring a camera or smartphone with ample memory—you won’t want to miss the photo ops.

• Plan meals inside the commune or nearby; themed eateries offer flavors that match the setting.

• Check performance schedules upfront to catch live shows and interactive street theater.

• Wear comfortable shoes; the sprawling compound involves substantial walking.

• Download or grab a map of the commune—it’s easy to wander off course given the size.

Accessibility and Facilities

The film commune is quite extensive, so accessibility varies. Flat paved walkways service the main thoroughfares, making it feasible for most visitors to navigate without difficulty. However, some areas feature uneven cobblestones or stairs, potentially challenging for wheelchair users or visitors with mobility issues.

Facilities include clean restrooms scattered throughout, as well as cafes and food stalls reflecting the period themes. Parking is available on-site, and the commune is reachable by taxi or local bus from Haikou city center. Some visitors stay overnight in nearby hotels themed to match the film town vibe, deepening the immersive experience.

Unique Features

What really makes Guanlan Lake Huayi Feng Xiaogang Film Commune stand out is its blend of film history with urban heritage. Unlike typical theme parks or historical reconstructions, this commune is rooted in real cinematic productions, with many scenes and sets built for actual films. This authenticity adds a palpable energy that pure replicas lack.

The opportunity to dress in replica period costumes and roam the streets transforms your visit from sightseeing into participation, a rare trait for a film tourism site. Moreover, the mix of Chinese and European architectural styles reflects the real multicultural evolution of China’s urban centers—another layer of depth.

The commune’s size is another unique feature, with nearly a million square meters to explore, giving visitors space to wander and discover varied settings from war-era streets to old Beijing districts.

Overall Impressions

Walking through the Guanlan Lake Huayi Feng Xiaogang Film Commune felt like stepping into a living film set where history and imagination mix freely. It’s a place that treasures Chinese film culture while inviting you to engage directly by observing, dressing up, and enjoying performances.

If you’re into movies, photography, or culturally rich experiences, this town offers a wonderfully crafted world of discovery and nostalgia. It’s not just a tourist trap but a thoughtfully built commune with a heartfelt connection to China’s cinematic storytelling and urban history.

The atmosphere encourages slow exploration, and whether you’re with family or solo, you’ll find lots to spark your imagination.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Largest film-themed tourist site dedicated to Feng Xiaogang’s work

• Immersive and authentic architectural recreations of historical Chinese urban environments

• Opportunities for costume rental and live performances enhance engagement

• Wide range of photo-worthy spots and cultural exhibitions

• Located near luxury leisure resorts, linking entertainment and calm

• Family-friendly, with activities for all ages

Cons:

• Separate tickets for different park areas can be confusing and add up

• Popularity means crowds on weekends and holidays

• Primarily in the Chinese language, with limited English signage or guides

• Outdoor venue exposes visitors to weather conditions—heat or rain can impact comfort

• Some may find the commercial aspects (shops, eateries) detract from authenticity

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