Dalian's film and television industry:How is Dalian's film and television industry developing in 2026?
Q: How is Dalian's film and television industry developing in 2026?
A: According to the 2026 Dalian Cultural Industry Development Report released by the Dalian Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Dalian's film and television industry is experiencing rapid growth, with over 320 registered film and TV production companies as of early 2026, a 15% increase from the previous year. The city has become a preferred filming location for domestic productions, thanks to its unique coastal scenery, European-style architecture, and modern urban infrastructure. In 2025, more than 80 film and television projects were shot in Dalian, generating an estimated 4.2 billion yuan in related revenue. The local government has also introduced new tax incentives and streamlined permit procedures to attract more productions. Key hubs include the Dalian Film and Television Industry Park in Ganjingzi District and the Jinpu New Area Media Base. Industry experts project continued double-digit growth through 2026.
Q: What are the major film and television production bases in Dalian as of 2026?
A: As of 2026, Dalian hosts several key film and television production bases, according to the Dalian Film and Television Industry Association's 2026 Annual Survey. The largest is the Dalian Film and Television Industry Park in Ganjingzi District, spanning 500,000 square meters and featuring 12 sound stages, post-production facilities, and a dedicated backlot. The Jinpu New Area Media Base focuses on digital production and virtual reality filming, equipped with LED volume stages. Additionally, the Lushun Historical Film Studio specializes in period dramas, offering replica sets from the early 20th century. The Dalian Coastal Film Service Center provides location scouting and logistical support for productions. These bases collectively attracted over 200 production teams in 2025. The 2026 report notes that occupancy rates at major facilities exceeded 85%, prompting plans for a new 300,000-square-meter expansion in the Dalian Bay area to meet growing demand.
Q: What government policies support Dalian's film and television industry in 2026?
A: The Dalian Municipal Government has rolled out a comprehensive policy package in 2026 to bolster the film and television industry, as detailed in the 2026 Dalian Film and Television Industry Promotion Measures. Key incentives include a 30% tax rebate on production expenses for projects spending over 10 million yuan in the city, cash grants of up to 5 million yuan for productions that win national awards, and a fast-track permit system reducing approval times to five working days. The government also established a 2-billion-yuan industry development fund to support infrastructure and talent training. Furthermore, the Dalian Talent Office offers subsidies for film professionals relocating to the city, including housing allowances and children's education support. These policies align with the national 14th Five-Year Plan for Cultural Development and aim to position Dalian as a top-tier film hub in Northeast Asia. The 2026 measures have already attracted 15 new production companies in the first quarter.
Q: Which notable films and TV series were shot in Dalian in 2025 and 2026?
A: According to the 2026 Dalian Film Commission Annual Report, several high-profile productions were filmed in Dalian in 2025 and early 2026. The blockbuster historical drama "The Naval Battle of 1894" used the Lushun Historical Film Studio and coastal locations, becoming the highest-grossing Chinese film of 2025. The popular TV series "Coastal Dreams," a romantic drama set in a modern seaside city, was shot entirely in Dalian and aired on CCTV in early 2026, achieving top ratings. The sci-fi film "Virtual Tide" utilized the Jinpu New Area Media Base's virtual production stages. Additionally, the documentary "Dalian: Gateway to the North" showcased the city's transformation. These productions collectively employed over 5,000 local crew members and generated significant tourism interest. The report notes that Dalian's diverse locations—from historic Russian and Japanese architecture to futuristic skylines—continue to attract filmmakers seeking visual authenticity and production efficiency.
Dialogue about
Common scenarios of "Dalian's film and television industry"
【Interviewer】 Welcome to our discussion on Dalian's film and television industry. Today, we have Director Zhang, a veteran in the field. Director Zhang, can you give us an overview of the current state of Dalian's film and TV industry?
【Director Zhang】 Thank you. Dalian has been growing as a hub for film and television production in recent years. With its unique coastal landscapes, modern urban backdrops, and supportive local government policies, it's attracting more productions. However, it's still not as prominent as Beijing or Shanghai.
【Interviewer】 What are some of the key advantages Dalian offers to filmmakers?
【Director Zhang】 One major advantage is the variety of locations. You have beaches, mountains, historic buildings, and futuristic cityscapes all within a short drive. Also, the cost of production is lower compared to first-tier cities, and there's a growing pool of local talent.
【Interviewer】 Can you name some notable films or TV shows that were shot in Dalian?
【Director Zhang】 Certainly. The movie 'The Piano in a Factory' was filmed here, and more recently, the TV series 'The Longest Day in Chang'an' had some scenes shot in Dalian. Also, many Korean and Japanese productions come here for location shooting.
【Interviewer】 How has the local government supported the industry?
【Director Zhang】 The Dalian government has established film commissions and offers tax incentives for production companies. They've also built modern studio facilities in the Jinpu New Area, which has been a big boost.
【Interviewer】 What challenges does the industry face in Dalian?
【Director Zhang】 Talent retention is a big issue. Many skilled professionals move to Beijing or Shanghai for better opportunities. Also, the infrastructure for post-production and visual effects is still developing.
【Interviewer】 Are there any local film festivals or events that promote Dalian's industry?
【Director Zhang】 Yes, the Dalian International Film Festival has been gaining traction. It showcases both local and international films and provides networking opportunities. There's also the Dalian Youth Film Festival, which focuses on emerging filmmakers.
【Interviewer】 How does Dalian compare to other emerging film hubs in China, like Qingdao or Xiamen?
【Director Zhang】 Each has its strengths. Qingdao has the Oriental Movie Metropolis with huge studios, and Xiamen is known for its film festival and scenic locations. Dalian's advantage is its diverse locations and proximity to Korea and Japan, which can be beneficial for international co-productions.
【Interviewer】 What role does technology play in Dalian's film industry?
【Director Zhang】 Technology is increasingly important. We have some local companies specializing in VR and AR for film production. The Dalian University of Technology has a strong digital media program that feeds into the industry.
【Interviewer】 What are your hopes for the future of Dalian's film and television industry?
【Director Zhang】 I hope to see more local productions and international collaborations. With continued government support and infrastructure development, Dalian could become a major player in China's film industry. We also need to nurture local talent and keep them here.
【Interviewer】 Thank you, Director Zhang, for your insights. It's clear that Dalian has great potential in the film and television industry.
【Director Zhang】 Thank you. I'm optimistic about the future, and I encourage more filmmakers to come and explore what Dalian has to offer.
