8 Chinese Movies To Watch Before Your Trip to China (2026)
Ne Zha 1+2
Genre: Fantasy Animation
Why I recommend it: one of the most beautifully animated series ever. The second film is the world’s highest grossing animation of all-time. Over 320 million people saw it. Not to mention the main character offers a refreshing contrast to other famous animations.
Key Locations: Yibin (Sichuan) + Guilin (Guangxi)
Hero
Genre: Wuxia Epic (story timeline: 227 BC - Warring States Period)
Why I recommend it: Visually stunning cinematography and artistic fight scenes between several of the best Chinese actors.
Key Locations: Xi’an + Jiuzhaigou National Park
Dead to Rights
Genre: Historical Drama (story timeline: 1937 to 1938)
Why I recommend it: the most dramatic film about the Nanjing Massacre that I’ve ever seen. I will remember it for a long time. Definitely re-watchable.
Key Locations: the city of Nanjing
The Wandering Earth 1+2
Genre: Science Fiction Epic (story timeline: 2058 AD to 2078 AD)
Why I recommend it: this is likely China’s best sci-fi series. Visually spectacular. It made me contemplate about humanity, Earth, and the wider universe.
Key Locations: Qingdao + Shanghai
Twilight of the Warriors
Genre: Action Historical (story timeline: late 1980s)
Why I recommend it: This is an action-packed movie based in the globally famous Kowloon Walled City. Mind-blowing fact - it used to house 35,000 people in an area around the size of 3 football fields!
Key Locations: Kowloon Walled City - now Kowloon Walled City Park in Hong Kong. You can visit it - take the Tuen Ma Line, Sung Wong Toi station, Exit B3
Ip Man 1-4
Genre: Biographical Martial Arts Historical (story timeline: 1930-1960)
Why I recommend it: The main character was Bruce Lee’s teacher. My favourite Wing Chun series to watch. Perfect mix of action, drama, history.
Key Locations: Foshan Ancestral Temple + the city of Hong Kong
Red Cliff
Genre: Historical Epic - 208 AD (Han Dynasty)
Why I recommend it: a reenactment of the Battle of Red Cliffs in 208 AD at the end of the Han dynasty and preceding the Three Kingdoms period.
Epic battle scenes fought between Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan. One of the most famous battles in the world.
Key Locations: Chibi Ancient Battlefield
Don’t forget movies by Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan!
My favourites are Enter the Dragon and Rush Hour.
Check out China travel articles by me👇🏻
First Time In China? A Beginner’s Bucket List For Tourists
Ultimate China Bucket List By A Chinese: 50 Places To Visit In 2026
30 Historical Landmarks You Must See In China
30 Futuristic Landmarks You Must See In China
The Ultimate Tech Shopping List for Tourists Visiting China
City Guides
Beijing: Ultimate Travel Guide By A Chinese (2026)
Shanghai: Ultimate Travel Guide By A Chinese (2025)
Nanjing: Ultimate Travel Guide By A Chinese (2025)
Chengdu: Ultimate Travel Guide By A Chinese (2025)
Hong Kong: Ultimate Travel Guide By A Local Chinese (2025)
Prepare
Is China Expensive For Tourists? Full Breakdown For First Time Visitors
How Long Should I Spend In China On My First Trip? Example Itineraries from a Chinese Traveller
Do I Need To Know Chinese For My Trip to China? Or A Tour Guide? A Practical Take
Top Hotels In China with Stunning Skyline Views
How To
How to Order Food and Drink in China? A Mini-Guide with Key Phrases
How to Get a Robot or Drone to Deliver Your Food in China
How to Get The Best Deal For Hotels in China
