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At August 1st Film Studio, visitors can take guided tours to explore the studio sets, watch film-making demonstrations, and experience the behind-the-scenes magic of Chinese cinema. It’s also a great place for film buffs to learn about the history of Chinese cinema and the industry’s development.
The August 1st Film Studio of the Chinese People's Liberation Army is China's only military film studio, located in Liuliqiaobei, Fengtai District, Beijing. Founded on August 1, 1952, it was originally named the Chinese People's Liberation Army Film Studio. Its first film was the 1952 military educational film "River Attack." Today, it is a comprehensive film studio capable of producing a wide range of film genres, including feature films, military educational films, news documentaries, national defense research films, television programs, and TV series.
Past film productions include "Heroic Courage," "Eternal Waves," "Lin Hai Xue Yuan," "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy," and "Youth." Since its establishment, the August 1st Film Studio has trained over 160 directors, 300 actors, 200 photographers, 18 screenwriters, and a number of professional artistic and technical personnel who are active on the front lines of film production.
North temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for 1 to 2 hours
20 yuan, free for active military personnel and armed police, and retired military and armed police officers with valid ID.
The August 1st Film Studio was established in 1958 and is one of China’s most important film production studios. It played a key role in the development of the country’s film industry, producing numerous iconic Chinese films over the decades.
The studio is located in the Haidian District of Beijing. You can take Line 13 of the Beijing Metro and get off at the August 1st Film Studio station. Taxis and buses also provide convenient access.
The studio is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Weekdays are typically less crowded, making it a great time to visit for a more relaxed experience.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥50 to ¥100, depending on the tour you choose. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but it’s recommended to buy them in advance during peak tourist seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but is recommended during the peak tourist season (summer and holidays). Booking a day or two before your visit should suffice.
To fully explore the studio and enjoy all the exhibits, a visit of 2 to 3 hours is ideal.
Don’t miss the iconic movie sets, the props display area, and the special exhibition on Chinese film history. The film production demonstrations also offer a unique, hands-on experience.
Guided tours are available in both Chinese and English, and they offer in-depth insights into the studio’s history and film-making processes. Audio guides are also available in several languages.
The best photography spots are around the film sets and in front of iconic props. The outdoor areas with film backdrops also provide great photo opportunities, especially if you're interested in movie-themed photoshoots.
Start with the film studio history section, followed by a walk through the various film sets. Then, visit the props and costume exhibit, and finish with a viewing of the special film-making demonstration or screening.
There are no night visits or light shows, but special tours during festivals or holidays may be available. Check with the studio in advance for any special events.
The studio can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. For a more peaceful visit, aim for weekdays, particularly in the morning when crowds are smaller.
There are clean restrooms and water stations throughout the studio. A small café and souvenir shop are available at the entrance, where visitors can purchase drinks and snacks.
Yes, the studio is wheelchair accessible, and there are paved pathways suitable for elderly and disabled visitors. Children will also enjoy the interactive movie-making activities.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit/debit cards are widely accepted. It is not necessary to carry cash.
There are a few small cafes and eateries within walking distance from the studio, offering snacks and simple meals. For more dining options, head to the nearby Zhongguancun area, which has many restaurants and fast food chains.
Vegetarian and vegan options can be found at the nearby restaurants in Zhongguancun. Halal food options are available in the larger commercial areas near the studio.
Several hotels are close by, including the Beijing Friendship Hotel and the Beijing Yansha Hotel, both of which are a short drive from the studio.
Nearby attractions include the Summer Palace, Yuanmingyuan Park, and Peking University. These can easily be combined into a full day trip with August 1st Film Studio.
There is a small souvenir shop at the studio selling film-related merchandise, such as posters, DVDs, movie-themed clothing, and memorabilia from famous Chinese films.
Public transportation is the best option to continue your trip. The Wudaokou Metro Station (Line 13) is close by, and buses and taxis are readily available for further exploration of Beijing.
