The Tanglangchuan River flows as ever, and the moment is perfect.

As the heartwarming period drama Good Times gains popularity, its depiction of the warmth of everyday life and stories of years gone by is quietly bringing a small city in central Yunnan into the spotlight: Anning of Kunming. Following the 2023 production The Long Season, which filmed over 70% of its scenes in Anning, the city has once again become a sought-after filming location for cinematic works, thanks to its unique urban charm and diverse scenic resources.

From suspenseful narratives to tender period stories, from industrial memories to the hustle and bustle of urban life — why is Anning able to carry such diverse visual expressions? The answer may lie in the morning and dusk light along the banks of the Tanglangchuan River, and also in the layered interweaving of history and reality in this city.

Anning—a treasure land in central Yunnan, where landscapes and culture form a natural film set.

Anning is located in the southwest of Kunming City, serving as a vital gateway to the eight prefectures and cities in western Yunnan, as well as South and Southeast Asia. It has been a pivotal stop along the Southern Silk Road since ancient times. Its unique geographical location and millennial cultural heritage have jointly shaped a cityscape with rich layers and diverse characteristics, making it a natural film set that is inherently photogenic, perfect for both filming and appreciation.

Here lies a natural picture frame. Qinglong Gorge boasts vast forests and deep ravines, perfect for capturing hidden-world adventures and period dramas. Along both banks of Tang Langchuan, picturesque farmland unfolds—spring blossoms in full bloom, autumn maple leaves painting the shore—offering a warm backdrop for lifestyle productions. Between mountains and waters, wherever the lens turns, every scene becomes a painting.

Here are scenes inherently filled with storytelling. The railway tracks, blast furnaces and red-brick workshops in the old Kungang factory district have preserved their complete industrial texture; ancient buildings coexist with urban life in the old town of Lianran, where overhanging eaves complement the warmth of everyday life; mist shrouds the hot spring town and the distant bell of an ancient temple echoes, creating a quiet and profound atmosphere of times past. Film and television works of different themes can all find a suitable expressive space here.

As a major industrial hub in central Yunnan, Anning preserves time-worn industrial relics while also featuring modern industrial parks and green smart manufacturing zones. The coexistence of traditional manufacturing and contemporary technology provides a rich, multi-dimensional visual backdrop for realist-themed creative works.

Anning has a long-standing connection with film and television. In 1999, Journey to the West: The Sequel was shot at Yulong Bay Film Studio; in 2006, the critically acclaimed drama Soldiers Sortie (rated 9.5 on Douban) also captured scenes across multiple locations in Anning. According to incomplete statistics, more than 50 film and television productions have been filmed in Anning in recent years.

With mountains and rivers as its backdrop, industry as its backbone, and culture as its soul, Anning opens its arms to welcome more stories of light and shadow unfolding here.

The Old Factory District of Kunming Iron and Steel Group Headquarters — The Core Stage for Period Stories.

Among Anning's many filming locations, the old factory district at the Kunming Iron and Steel Group headquarters served as the main shooting site for the TV series Good Times. Established in 1939, this steel mill was one of China's early key industrial bases for iron and steel production and was designated a National Industrial Heritage site in 2018.

The factory district has completely preserved its industrial system since its establishment. Red-brick workshops, clusters of blast furnaces, old railway tracks and worker dormitories built along the mountain form a highly retro industrial landscape. Film crews can authentically depict the industrial life of the last century without the need for extensive set construction.

Yulong Bay Scenic Area — A Timeless Corridor of Light and Shadow.

In stark contrast to the profound industrial vibe is the diverse scenery presented by the Yulong Bay Scenic Area. As a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, Yulong Bay covers an area of 1,817 mu (approximately 121 hectares) with an 80% forest coverage rate, boasting distinct scenery in all four seasons. The Old Kunming City Film Base is located within the scenic area, which meticulously recreates the street scenes of the Ming, Qing and Republican eras. Double-eaved gate towers, siheyuan with fire walls, and Republican-era commercial streets provide mature settings for the creation of period-themed works. Many film and television works have been shot here, forming a stable resource for film and television filming.

Additionally, the scenic area features a Southeast Asian cultural district, blending architectural styles from across the region and providing a rich backdrop for cross-regional productions. The combination of lakeside vistas and diverse architecture makes Yulong Bay a versatile filming location, seamlessly integrating natural beauty with cultural heritage.

Hot Spring Town — A Poetic Setting Where Healing and Light Meet.

Anning Hot Spring Town has a long history and is famed as the “No.1 Hot Spring Under Heaven.” Nestled among verdant mountains with gently flowing streams, the town is dotted with buildings showcasing Republican-era charm. The mist rising from the hot springs creates a warm and tranquil visual atmosphere. Nearby Caoxi Temple, with its towering ancient trees and serene Zen ambiance, weaves together natural landscapes and cultural spaces. This unique combination provides a richly layered setting for emotional dramas and human-interest documentary productions.

From industrial relics to diverse landscapes, from the serenity of hot springs to the vibrancy of everyday street life, Anning's exceptional natural resources and rich cultural heritage continue to attract film crews. On screen, it becomes the backdrop for compelling stories; in real life, it offers a tangible and immersive living environment.

With the hit TV series Good Times gaining popularity, Anning has once again captured public attention. This small city in central Yunnan is crafting its own cinematic story—set against the backdrop of its scenic landscapes, interwoven with its historical legacy, and enriched by its contemporary development.

Click here to view the Chinese report

(Editors:  Doe,Flynn)