Changchun Film Studio Museum

The Changchun Film Studio Museum (长影旧址博物馆), also known as the “Cradle of New China Cinema,” is a national 4A scenic spot, a state-level industrial heritage site, and a red tourism landmark. Built on the original Manchukuo-era “Man Ying” studio (满映) and the historic Changchun Film Studio (长春电影制片厂) facilities, it is one of China’s top celluloid film museums, featuring original film equipment, vintage sets, archival memorabilia, interactive dubbing experiences, and educational exhibits covering the full history of Chinese cinema.

Overview

Location & Background

• Address: No.1118 Hongqi Street, Chaoyang District, Changchun (长春市朝阳区红旗街 1118 号), adjacent to the popular “Zhe You Shan” shopping mall, convenient for urban exploration and nearby dining
• Historical Evolution:
  • 1937: Manchuria Film Association (满映) established by Japanese-controlled authorities
  • 1945: Northeast Film Studio (东影) founded by the CCP to resume domestic film production
  • Later renamed Changchun Film Studio (长春电影制片厂), becoming the main national film production base
  • 2014: Museum officially opened, integrating historic buildings, film archives, and interactive exhibits

Museum Composition

• Five main zones: Film Art Hall (main building), Old Photography Studio Area, Film Developing Workshop, Changying Cinema, and Film Cultural Street
• Collections: Over 5,000 items including original film scripts, costumes, props, projectors, dubbing equipment, archival photos, and rare behind-the-scenes documentation
• Notable Films: The White-Haired Girl (白毛女), Heroic Sons and Daughters (英雄儿女), Battle of Shangganling (上甘岭), Dong Cunrui (董存瑞), plus hundreds of domestic and foreign dubbed films
• Industry Firsts: Seven national milestones in New China’s cinema development
• Area: Total park 37,500 m², open exhibition 15,000 m², with outdoor public spaces for photography
• Consultation Phone: 0431-89238777

Opening Hours

• Peak Season (May 1 – Oct 7): 09:00–17:30, last entry 16:00
• Off-Season (Oct 8 – Apr 30): 09:00–16:30, last entry 15:30
• Closed: Lunar New Year’s Eve & first day of Lunar New Year

Tickets

• Adult: 90 RMB
• Seniors 60–64: 60 RMB
• Students (Bachelor or below): 45 RMB (with valid ID)
• Free: Seniors 65+, children under 1.3 m, active/retired military, disabled (with proof)
• Combo Ticket: Changying + Puppet Emperor Palace Museum (99 RMB, valid 90 days) for a full-day cultural experience
• Tip: Entrance plaza, outdoor vintage tanks, planes, and public sculpture areas are free for photography and casual visits

Five Major Exhibition Zones (recommended route: Main Art Hall → Photography Studio → Film Developing Workshop → Cinema → Cultural Street, 2.5–3 hours)

1. Film Art Hall (Main Building, 3 floors)

1F: Origins – From Man Ying to Dongying

• Archival materials detailing 1937 Man Ying founding, Japanese-era production, and film devices
• 1945 CCP takeover and Northeast Film Studio establishment, highlighting the rebirth of Chinese cinema
• “Cradle of New China Cinema” relief sculpture
• Original items from the first feature The Bridge (桥) and first animation Catch the Turtle in a Jar (瓮中捉鳖)

2F: Classic Film Exhibit

• Costumes, props, and posters from Battle of Shangganling, Heroic Sons and Daughters, The Five Flowers (五朵金花), The White-Haired Girl
• Rotating black-and-white film screenings in a restored mini-theater
• Interactive viewing stations for film fragments and production notes

3F: Honors & Dubbed Film Hall

• Display of major awards: Golden Rooster, Hundred Flowers, domestic & international accolades
• Archive of over 1,000 dubbed films, including The Wanderer and Lenin in 1918, with original scripts and headphone stations for original audio
• Special exhibits on international film collaboration and historical dubbing technology

2. Old Photography Studio Area (Original Man Ying Studios 1/2/3)

• Preserved early PRC-era studio buildings, including authentic set rooms
• Interactive Highlights:
  • Props exhibit: vintage rifles, carriages, military uniforms, and wartime film props
  • Dubbing/Recording Studio: original mixing consoles and recording equipment, occasional live dubbing demonstrations
  • Foley Interactive Room: simulate rain, thunder, horse hooves, and train sounds for hands-on experience, highly recommended for families and educational visits

3. Film Developing Workshop

• The only fully preserved pre-1949 film developing factory in China
• Complete film processing chain: developing, fixing, editing, and archival preparation
• Dim, industrial atmosphere reproduces historical workflow
• Essential destination for film, photography, and industrial heritage enthusiasts

4. Changying Cinema & Music Hall

• Converted from Studios 4/5/6
• Features China Giant Screen Hall & vintage 12-reel theater
• Optional nostalgic screenings available for an immersive film experience
• Venue doubles as music hall for film-related concerts and special events

5. Outdoor Film Cultural Street

• Vintage movie poster walls, retro mailboxes, and studio nameplates
• Cultural shops offering replica posters, film memorabilia, and Changying souvenirs
• Free stamping stations at service counters for visitors to collect themed stamps for journals or scrapbooks

Transportation Guide

1. Public Transit

• Metro: Line 3, Huxiqiao Station (湖西桥站 B Exit), 600 m walk
• Bus: Changying stop: routes 52, 54, 55, 80 inner/outer loop, 230, 232, 255, 264, 267, 159

2. Self-Drive

• Search: “Changchun Film Studio Museum (长影旧址博物馆)”
• Parking: 5 RMB/hour, ample outdoor spots
• Nearby: Hongqi Street & Zhe You Shan mall for shopping and dining

3. Intercity Arrival

• High-speed rail: Changchun Station or Changchun West → Metro Line 3
• Taxi from Changchun Station: approx. 15 min

Recommended One/Multiple-Day Itineraries

Route 1 – City Museum One-Day Essentials

• Morning: Changchun Film Studio Museum (3h)
• Lunch: Hongqi Street local food (Guobaorou, Changchun BBQ, Korean cold noodles)
• Afternoon: Walk 5 min to Zhe You Shan mall
• Evening: South Lake Park stroll

Route 2 – Red Cultural Two-Day Tour

• Day 1: Changchun Film Studio Museum → Puppet Emperor Palace Museum (combo ticket), overnight Hongqi Street
• Day 2: Jilin Provincial Museum (South Creek New Hall) → Jilin Natural History Museum (Jingyue)

Route 3 – Film + Wellness Leisure

• Changying → Xinmin Street Puppet-Era Historic Buildings → Cultural Square (Jilin University Geology Palace Museum)

Seasonal Tips

• Best Seasons: Spring & Autumn (Apr–May, Sep–Oct)
• Changchun Film Festival (Sep) offers special exhibitions and classic film screenings
• Summer: avoid midday heat; winter: indoor exhibits are warm and protected from snow and wind

Practical Tips

• Rent audio guide (20 RMB) for detailed commentary on history, films, and artifacts
• Flash photography prohibited indoors; outdoor photography allowed
• Bring personal drinking water; food options abundant on Hongqi Street

Hidden Gems

• Main building stamping station for journals or scrapbooks
• Cultural Street offers original replica movie posters and unique souvenirs

Recommended Visitors

• Classic film enthusiasts
• Families with children for educational trips
• Film & celluloid collectors
• Cultural and historical travelers
• International visitors interested in Chinese cinema history