What image comes to mind when you think of Shanghai? For many film lovers, it's a sun-dappled street beneath a canopy of plane trees.

As the 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival draws near, we're revisiting one of the city's most iconic cinematic symbols. From the nostalgic elegance to the contemporary charm, Shanghai's tree-lined avenues have long provided the backdrop for stories of romance, chance encounters and everyday life. More than part of the scenery, the city's plane trees have become a character in their own right – quietly witnessing generations of stories unfold on screen. 

(Photos via VCG)