Come to Zhouzhuang to recall old film scenes

(chinadaily.com.cn)

A single shot in some renowned film might make a seldom known place gain its fame swiftly.

Film, TV series and reality shows have gradually become new channels to promote tourism in recent years in China. Xixi Wetland is a shining example:

Located in Hangzhou, provincial capital of East China's Zhejiang province, Xixi Wetland was chosen as one of the shooting places of the If You are the One, a Chinese romantic comedy film directed by Feng Xiaogang and starring Ge You and Shu Qi, in 2008.

As one of Feng's top grossing films to date, the film no doubt increased the profile of the wetland, which now has become a hit destination for global visitors.

The Waipo Bridge, or Grandma Bridge in Zhouzhuang, a renowned ancient water town in East China's Jiangsu province also gained its name for the Shanghai Triad, a 1995 Chinese film, directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Gong Li.

Grandma Bridge, previously known as Tiyun Bridge, changed its name after the film was screened.

The bridge, not a big one, hasn't even engraved with a name until now. Visitors to the town could still identify it via the guide board on the Xiwan Street in Zhouzhuang.

The Grandma Bridge in Zhouzhuang, Jiangsu province [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]