Guanlan Lake Hua Yi Feng
A Cinematic Journey Through Time: Exploring Haikou's Huayi Feng Xiaogang Movie公社
Nestled within the Haikou观澜湖 tourism complex, the Huayi Feng Xiaogang Movie公社 (Movie公社) stands as a unique and immersive film-themed destination in China. More than just a tourist attraction, it is a living, breathing tapestry that vividly illustrates the transformation of Chinese urban landscapes throughout the 20th century. Conceived by the renowned Chinese director Feng Xiaogang and developed by Huayi Brothers Media, this expansive studio lot and theme park allows visitors to step directly into the meticulously recreated sets of his iconic films, offering an unparalleled opportunity to wander through history and cinema simultaneously.
A Tapestry of Themed Streets and Architectural Wonders
The公社 is masterfully divided into several distinct thematic zones, each representing a different era and architectural style from China's recent past. These zones are not static displays but dynamic, interactive environments filled with activity.
The 1942 Street (1942风情街): This area is a direct transplant from Feng Xiaogang's poignant war film "Back to 1942." It recreates the besieged city of Chongqing during the Sino-Japanese War. The atmosphere here is one of rustic austerity and wartime resilience. Visitors walk along narrow lanes flanked by weathered brick and wooden buildings, air-raid shelters, and period-specific advertisements. The attention to detail immerses you in the gritty reality of the 1940s.
The Old Beijing Street (老北京风情街): Journey north to experience the charm of a bygone Beijing, specifically the Republican era (1912-1949). This zone features traditional siheyuan (courtyard houses), arched gateways, and bustling market-style shops. The architecture showcases the grey bricks, intricate woodwork, and tranquil courtyards characteristic of old Beijing, offering a stark contrast to the southern styles found elsewhere in the公社.
The Nanyang (Southeast Asian) Street (南洋风情街): This is perhaps the most visually striking zone, reflecting the distinctive Qilou (arcade house) architecture prevalent in the coastal regions of South China and Southeast Asia during the early 20th century. The streets are lined with elegant, pastel-colored buildings featuring continuous covered walkways on the ground floor. These arcades, a fusion of European colonial and Southern Chinese design elements, speak to the era's bustling trade and cultural exchange. The vibe here is vibrant and slightly cosmopolitan.
The Church Square Area (教堂广场区): Serving as a central landmark and event space, this square is dominated by a grand Western-style church. This structure symbolizes the diverse cultural and religious influences that permeated Chinese port cities in the past. The square often hosts performances, photo shoots, and serves as a picturesque backdrop for visitors.
Immersive Experiences and Practical Amenities
Beyond the architectural marvels, the Movie公社 is designed for full immersion. The streets are alive with activity: * Costumed performers and street vendors add to the period atmosphere. * Numerous shops sell souvenirs, traditional crafts, and period-appropriate apparel. * Restaurants and food stalls offer local Hainan delicacies as well as snacks, allowing visitors to dine in a historical setting. * For a truly nostalgic mode of transport, visitors can opt to ride in a rickshaw or a horse-drawn carriage, clattering along the cobblestone streets to complete the time-travel experience.
The公社 also boasts some of the largest film studios in the world. These operational soundstages are where magic continues to be made, hosting film and television productions. While access might be limited depending on filming schedules, their presence underscores the location's authentic connection to the film industry.
Essential Visitor Information
Getting There: The most straightforward public transportation option is to take the K2 or K3 bus lines. Alight at the "观澜湖电影公社公交站" (Guanlanhu Movie公社 Bus Stop) and walk approximately 421 meters to the entrance.
Ticket Information (Updated as of August 2023): The公社 operates a flexible ticketing system with various combinations: * Single Zone Tickets: * 1942 • Youth Scenic Zone (芳华景区): Standard 136 RMB / Youth 126 RMB / Senior 68 RMB. * Nanyang Scenic Zone: Standard 88 RMB / Youth 78 RMB / Senior 44 RMB. * East is Red Scenic Zone (东方红景区): Standard 136 RMB / Youth 126 RMB / Senior 68 RMB. * Combo Tickets (Offer Better Value): * 1942/Youth Zone OR East is Red Zone + Nanyang Zone: Standard 160 RMB / Youth 145 RMB / Senior 112 RMB. * 1942/Youth Zone + East is Red Zone: Standard 160 RMB / Youth 145 RMB / Senior 136 RMB. * Three-Zone All-Access Pass: Standard 218 RMB / Youth 198 RMB / Senior 180 RMB. * Free Admission Policy: Free entry is granted to: Children 6 or under (or under 1.2m); Seniors 70+ (with ID); Active/retired military personnel (with valid certification); Disabled individuals (with disability card); Tour guides with a valid electronic guide card and itinerary. * Discounted Ticket Eligibility: * Senior Price (Ages 60-69): Requires a Hainan Province优待证 or a locally issued senior优待证 for non-local long-term residents. * Youth Price: For those under 18 (excluding free-admission children) with ID, or full-time students (undergraduate and below) with valid student ID. Includes Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan youth with relevant travel permits.
Additional Paid Experiences: The ticket may grant access or allow add-ons for various attractions within the zones, such as an Aquarium, Opera Theater, Wax Museum, China Gold Coin Museum, Typhoon & Earthquake Experience Hall (small fee for gear may apply), and designated restaurant snacks.
Operating Hours: The park is open daily from 9:00 to 22:00, with last admission at 22:00.
A visit to the Huayi Feng Xiaogang Movie公社 is more than sightseeing; it is an experiential voyage. It seamlessly blends film culture, historical education, and entertainment, making it a compelling destination for cinephiles, history enthusiasts, photographers, and families looking for a uniquely engaging day out in Haikou.