Beijing's ancient buildings take center stage in films

Beijing is the city with the largest scale and number of cultural relics and ancient buildings in China. Attractions such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven top the list of visits. These ancient buildings, with their unique architectural styles, have served as the settings for many films. 

"The Great Wall," directed by Chinese film director Zhang Yimou, is an epic action-adventure centered on the Great Wall, one of mankind's greatest wonders. The film was primarily shot on location, showcasing its historical significance as a defensive structure.

Set in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the story follows a group of European mercenaries searching for the secret to gunpowder. They encounter a secret Chinese army that maintains and defends the Great Wall against a horde of monstrous creatures. 

"The Last Emperor" was filmed inside the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, an imperial complex in the heart of Beijing. Released in 1987, it is a historical epic directed by Italian film director Bernardo Bertolucci. 

The film recounts the story of Puyi, the last emperor of China. The Forbidden City was featured prominently in the film, garnering multiple Academy Awards, including the Best Picture.

(Cover: A view of buildings in the Forbidden City, Dongcheng District, Beijing. /VCG)