Here’s a casual, engaging guide to Tong’An Film City-Tian’Anmen in Xiamen, perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, fun, and photo ops!

Location & How to Get There

Tong’An Film City-Tian’Anmen sits in the Tongan District of Xiamen, along Tonghe Xin Road. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Xiamen’s city center, near the Tongan Old Town area. If you’re coming from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport, it’s a quick taxi ride (around ¥50) or take Bus 655⁄658 from the airport bus station—tell the driver “Tonghe Xin Lu” and they’ll drop you close by. Driving? There’s free parking right outside the entrance.

What’s the Deal with This Place?

This spot is a movie magic wonderland! It’s not a real historical site but a film studio built to look like Beijing’s iconic Tian’Anmen Gate and surrounding palaces. Think of it as Hollywood’s version of China’s Forbidden City—perfect for photos, costume rentals, and pretending you’re a royal. Even though it’s not ancient, the details are surprisingly cool, with traditional roofs, red walls, and dragon statues.

Natural Vibes?

Don’t expect mountains or beaches here—this is a man-made marvel. But the grounds are pretty nice! You’ll find lakes with lotus flowers, fake but still pretty, and some trees and shrubs to frame your shots. The best part? It’s rarely crowded, so you can snap photos without tourists in the background.

Cool Stuff to See & Do

The Tian’Anmen Replica

The star attraction is the Tian’Anmen gate copy. Climb the steps, pose for a selfie, and check out the tiny “Great Hall” inside (it’s just a film prop, but still fun). At night, the gate lights up, which looks amazing in photos.

Costume Fun

Near the entrance, rent Qing Dynasty outfits (around ¥100/hour) and become an emperor, empress, or warrior. They even have cheap props like fans and swords. Perfect for families or couples—trust me, you’ll laugh a lot!

Movie Magic Tours

Join a free guided tour (check the schedule) to learn how movies are filmed here. You’ll see fake snow machines, fog effects, and sets used in Chinese TV dramas. Kids love this!

Food & Extras

There’s a small food court inside with snacks like shaobing (Chinese burgers) and sweet soy milk. For better meals, head 10 minutes away to Tongan Old Street, where local restaurants serve seafood and noodles.

You’ll also find restrooms, a gift shop (buy a mini Tian’Anmen model!), and shaded benches to rest. Bring cash—some stalls don’t take cards.

Who Should Visit?

  • Families: Kids go crazy for the costumes and movie tricks.
  • Photo Lovers: The fake palaces and gates are Instagram gold.
  • Culture Junkies: A fun way to get a taste of imperial China without crowds.

But skip it if you’re looking for real history or nature—this is pure entertainment!

Tips for a Good Day

  • Best Time: Morning (9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) for soft light and fewer people.
  • Entry Fee: Around ¥40 (cheaper than Beijing’s real Tian’Anmen!).
  • Combine with…: After visiting, stroll to Northern Xiamen (30 mins away) for beach vibes.

Tong’An Film City-Tian’Anmen isn’t a must-see, but if you want quirky, budget-friendly fun, it’s a great stop. Just embrace the fakeness—it’s all part of the charm! 👑✨