In the heart of Changchun, Jilin Province, stands a remarkable testament to the power of film and history — the Former Site Museum of Changchun Film Studio. Once the beating heart of China's movie industry, this site now serves as both a cultural landmark and a living archive of Chinese filmmaking.

A Walk Through Cinematic History

The museum, which opened in August 2014, covers over 46,000 square metres. Its main halls preserve the 1930s Art Deco exterior while introducing visitors to the artistry and innovation behind decades of film production. The Film Art Gallery displays early cameras, lighting equipment, scripts, and costumes from landmark films. "Movies such as 'The White-Haired Girl' and 'Visitors on the Ice Mountain' are some of the most significant films produced here," a representative of the museum explains. In the Printing Workshop Exhibition Area, visitors can see how reels were developed and distributed before the digital era.

A Legacy of Firsts

Changchun Film Studio is often called the "Cradle of New China's Film Industry." It produced the country's first puppet film, first dubbed foreign film, and first full-length animation — achievements that shaped China's creative landscape for decades. The museum honors these milestones through multimedia displays and original film stills, reminding visitors that Chinese cinema was built on innovation, resilience, and artistic pride.

A Living Heritage

Recognised as a national 4A-level tourist attraction, the museum attracts thousands of visitors each year. During the 2025 summer season, daily attendance exceeded 8,000 people, reflecting its status as one of Changchun's most beloved landmarks. Today, the site continues to host workshops, lectures, and film screenings for students and enthusiasts. Each September, the Changchun Film Festival renews the city's cinematic spirit, linking its historic past with a bright creative future.

Where Memory Meets Modernity

The Former Site Museum of Changchun Film Studio stands not just as a monument to Chinese cinema but as a story of transformation — from occupation to independence, from advocacy to art. Its preserved halls remind every visitor that film is more than entertainment; it is memory captured in motion. As the lights dim and an old reel begins to turn, one realises that the magic of Changchun’s studio never truly ended — it simply found a new way to shine. As one museum guide puts it, "Jilin continues to produce high-quality cinema — the future is bright."