Moon Gate at the Western Film Studio in Zhenbeibu

Moon Gate at the Western Film Studio in Zhenbeibu

Admire it in the evening when a bright moon hangs high in the night sky. The towering “Moon Gate” stands alone, majestic and unyielding against the floating clouds and evening breeze. Some are so moved by the sight that they shed tears—so much so that Zhang Yimou intentionally featured it repeatedly on screen.

The “Moon Gate” is the most classic and beautiful shot in Chinese film and television. Designed by the renowned Chinese art director Yang Gang, it was a key scene in the famous film Red Sorghum. Framed by the bright moon, the “Moon Gate” takes on a grand and solemn beauty. Its arched design further symbolizes the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation and stands as an emblem of the unity and strength of the Chinese people.

The tall pillars beside the Moon Gate were the main set for the 1996 TV series Western Song and Dance Tour, which centers around the legendary life story of the “King of Western Songs,” Wang Luobin. This is where Wang Luobin once wandered through the mountains and rivers of northwest China. Later, it was also used in martial arts-themed TV dramas such as Book and Sword Chronicles and The Heroic Ones. This bizarre construction is called “karst landform.” Come to the Western Film Studio in Zhenbeibu to see and learn more if you’re curious.

The Moon Gate—The Soul of a Nation, Chinese Cinema Going Global. The “Moon Gate” is the most classic and beautiful shot in Chinese film and television. Designed by the renowned Chinese art director Yang Gang, it was a key scene in the famous film Red Sorghum. Framed by the bright moon, the “Moon Gate” takes on a grand and solemn beauty. Its arched design further symbolizes the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation and stands as an emblem of the unity and strength of the Chinese people. Although it was originally just an archway built from adobe on the ruins of an ancient city wall by film artists, its simple form has achieved immeasurable artistic value. As a result, many later films—including Su Dongpo, A Chinese Odyssey, Book and Sword Chronicles, Valley of No Return, Dragon Ticket, Wolf Totem, and Journey to the West—have filmed scenes here.

Location

Western Film Studio in Zhenbeibu