Shanghai's Zhapu Road Scenic Area has become an unexpected star of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, with visitor numbers surging following its prominent role as the filming location for opening film She's Got No Name. The historic district's blend of preserved 1930s architecture and modern commercial spaces – meticulously restored by the film crew – offers a case study in cultural-economic synergy.
Local shop owners report a 40% increase in foot traffic since the festival began, with visitors recreating film scenes and exploring art deco landmarks. 'The production team transformed our street into a time capsule,' said Zhou Wei, a fourth-generation tea merchant. 'Now tourists want to experience both the cinematic vision and authentic local life.'
This film-driven tourism model aligns with China's push for high-quality development in cultural industries. Analysts note similar trends in Suzhou and Hangzhou, where screen tourism now accounts for 12-15% of regional cultural revenue.
Urban planners highlight the project's balanced approach: 73% of original architectural features were preserved during filming modifications, with temporary installations creating new photo hotspots. Evening light shows projecting film clips onto historic facades have extended visitor stays by 2.3 hours on average.
As Shanghai positions itself as Asia's film tourism hub, the municipal government announced plans to develop 15 more historic districts using this preservation-through-production approach. The strategy could reshape urban renewal projects across the Chinese mainland while creating fresh opportunities for creative industries and local businesses.
