[2025 Shanghai ] Travel Guide for Shanghai International Film Festival (Updated Jul)

Don't be jealous of me When the invitation letter from the organizing committee landed in my mailbox, I was so excited!!!! "In the light and shadow folds of Shanghai lies the key to the New Wave of the East." Thrilled to see my favorite films win awards!!

As a benefit of being a Ctrip contracted travel expert, I had the privilege to be among the first to experience the Shanghai International Film Festival and immerse myself in its vibrant activities. This year, renowned Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore led a jury of 21 international members spanning 13 countries, evaluating a record-breaking 3,900 outstanding works from 119 nations! For the first time, the main competition featured three powerful Latin American films, while the Asian New Talent jury averaged just 35 years old, bringing youthful perspectives to collide with a century of cinematic history. My first stop was at Huayi Brothers Film Center to experience the cinema of the future. This sensory revolution allowed me to don VR headsets and become a "character in the film" – 360° navigating through "The Secret Qin Mausoleum" witnessing the Qin Emperor's coronation, or journeying to the "Center of the Earth." This immersive movie-watching experience offered by technology delivers an entirely new way to enjoy films. Next, at the jury press conference, I met legendary directors including Huang Bo and Yong Mei, listening to their insights and perspectives on this year's festival. The third stop was an exhibition of light and shadow at SFC Shanghai Film Art Center. This special exhibition celebrating the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema showcased posters, stills, and creative concepts behind classic films through the years – absolutely fascinating. The festival's cultural merchandise was equally impressive, available for purchase on the first floor along with numerous interactive activities offering gifts. Shanghai never sleeps, and the silver screen lives forever – this is not just a film festival, but a prophecy of future imagery!

🌟It's that time of year again for film enthusiasts! From scheduling screenings and snagging tickets to theater-hopping, ticket exchanges, and check-ins during the festival, every day is packed with excitement as we immerse ourselves in this cinematic feast. Having attended the festival for many years, each edition brings its own rewards, surprises, and regrets. Here are some personal tips to share: 🎞️Film Selection: With over 400 films screening at the festival, there will inevitably be ones you wish you could see but can't. How to choose? My approach: 1️⃣ Restored classics, especially 4K versions—perfect for reliving timeless stories; 2️⃣ International films unlikely to get regular releases—a great window to the world; 3️⃣ New releases, particularly world/Asian premieres or screenings with Q&A sessions. 🔜Scheduling: Prioritize screenings at the same venue or easily accessible locations. For out-of-town attendees, note that suburban theaters may require longer travel times. 🛎️Ticket Pickup: Tickets can only be collected at the screening venue. Arrive early to avoid pre-show queues, but keep your ticket folder secure—there have been cases of lost folders mid-screening. 🔎Viewing Etiquette: Respect cinema etiquette: avoid late arrivals/early exits, keep conversations hushed, minimize phone use, and never film the screen. ✨Check-in Perks: This year, various theaters offer exclusive activities with souvenirs like fridge magnets and ticket stubs. 💎Shanghai Peace Cinema: Postcards and stubs for 10 selected films. 💎Shanghai Film Art Center (SHO): Limited-edition stamps; lottery draw with 3 stubs. 💎CMG Media Cinema: Keychain for 2 stubs. 💎Yihai & Lyceum Theatres: Badge for 2 tickets, folder for 3 tickets, plus special stubs per screening. 💎Bai Theater Line: Transparent cards for 2 tickets. Even more surprises come from fan-made freebies—discover them yourself! Wishing all film lovers a wonderful ten-day festival.

✨The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival 2025✨ 🎫Ticket Sales: 🌈Online sales start: June 5 at 12:00 PM. 🌈Offline sales start: June 5 at 2:00 PM (screening period: June 13–22, 2025). 🌈Yangtze River Delta screenings (online/offline sales): June 6 at 12:00 PM (screening period: June 20–27, 2025). ⚠️Search 🔍 "Shanghai International Film Festival" on Trip.com to participate!⚠️ 📝Important Notes: 1⃣️Refund/Rescheduling Policy: Due to the special nature of festival screenings, all tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. 2⃣️Children’s Tickets: The festival follows a strict one-ticket-per-person policy with assigned seating; no child tickets are available. 3⃣️Viewing Etiquette: Please maintain a respectful atmosphere—no photography or recording of the screen. Silence your phone and avoid noise to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. ❤Why We Recommend It: If you're visiting Shanghai, don’t miss the chance to explore famous film locations! [Awesome] 🌟Highlights: 🌈 **Waibaidu Bridge** – A Shanghai landmark reflecting the city’s century-long evolution. Featured in *Kung Fu Dunk*, the opening scene shows the protagonist cycling across the bridge to begin his Shanghai adventure. 🌈 **The Bund’s Architectural Gallery** – A symbol of Shanghai’s history, seen in dramas like *The Story of Rose*, where the heroine strolls along the Bund during a phone call. 🌈 **Peace Hotel Shanghai** – An Art Deco icon, showcased in the hit series *Blossoms Shanghai* and Wong Kar-wai’s *2046*, with its iconic wrought-iron elevator and terrace scenes. 🌈 **Shanghai Film Park** – Located in Songjiang’s Cheting Town, this early film studio features replicas like "1930s Nanjing Road" and European-style courtyards, seen in *Kung Fu Hustle*, *Like Fog, Like Rain, Like Wind*, and *Romance in the Rain*. 👍Top Picks: These locations not only capture Shanghai’s charm but let you step into cinematic moments and embrace the city’s unique vibe❣️