It is said that watching films is one of the best means of traveling considering various kinds of landscapes that can be seen in movies.

Countless audiences were attracted to the beautiful scenery portrayed in the movie Avatar. Many left the theater feeling depressed because the fascinating world of Pandora could never be reached and could only be seen on screen.

However, there is no need to become depressed, because there are a variety of excellent filming sites in China, and are easy to visit. The sites included are quaint houses, exotic architecture, precipitous slopes, and picturesque natural scenery.

Gyangtze

 
Gyangtze is a small town located in the Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet and it is where the film Red River Valley was shot. 

Gyangtze is a small town located in the Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet and it is where the film Red River Valley was shot. The film conveyed an inspiring and touching history of the strong and brave local residents fighting against the British troops' invasion in 1904.

Gyangtze is also famed for the Gyantse Kumbum, the largest chörten in Tibet. The white chörten, a magnificent tiered structure, contains a seemingly endless series of mural-filled chapels and offers outstanding views from its upper levels.

Travelling tips: Always ascend slowly and carefully to avoid altitude sickness.

Admission Fee: 15 yuan

Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Xiahe County

 
Labrang Tibetan Buddhist monastery, one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of the Tibet, is located in Xiahe County. 

Xiahe County is known as the "second Tibet" and "eastern Vatican." It is located in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. The popular film, A World without Thieves, was filmed here. People who saw that film were attracted by the mystery and spectacular scenery of the county.

Labrang Tibetan Buddhist monastery, one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of the Tibet, is located in Xiahe County.

The county is populated largely by Tibetans, as well as some Hui and Han ethnic group. Among its many scenic spots, the amazing Baishiya Karst Cave, glistening Darzong Lake and their unforgettable forests are not to miss.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

 
The Jiuzhai Valley is known as a world of magical fairytales, and for years has enchanted tourists with its mountains, forests, colorful lakes, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. 

The northwestern Sichuan Plateau is noted for its natural beauty. One of its best scenic areas is Jiuzhaigou or Jiuzhai Valley, located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. The famous Chinese film, Hero, was shooted in the Arrow Bamboo Lake in here.

The Jiuzhai Valley is known as a world of magical fairytales, and for years has enchanted tourists with its mountains, forests, colorful lakes, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

The scenery covers an area of 170,000 m², featuring its green and turquoise-colored lake. Unlike other lakes in Jiuzhai Valley, the Arrow Bamboo Lake won't freeze and it will keep its green and turquoise-colored water in the winter. The lakes vary in color according to their depths, residues, and surroundings. In addition, due to special environment many dead trees are calcified and own their own gorgeous color like coral, making the scenic spot looks more amazing.

Travelling tips:

Admission: 220 yuan (Apr 1 to Nov 15); 80 yuan (Nov 16 to Mar 30);

Hoh Xil 

Hol Xil is the filming location of the award-winning movie Mountain Patrol.

Hol Xil is the filming location of the award-winning movie Mountain Patrol. The movie shows the struggle of Tibetan antelopes and the hard life of mountain patrollers who protect the rare animal on the mysterious and charming Hoh Xil.

Covering 83,000 square kilometers at an average elevation of 4,800 meters, Hol Xil is the largest and highest natural preservation region in China. It is also one of the most well-preserved primitive ecological environment areas in the world and more than 230 species of animals reside here and 20 of them are under state protection, including the yak, wild donkey, white-lip deer, brown bear, and the endangered Tibetan antelope. However, due to the demand of shahtoosh cappa in Europe and America, Tibetan antelope faced a fierce and bloody slaughter.

Despite its high elevation, Hol Xil is still attracting many extreme environment hikers for its stunning scenery.