Takeshi Kaneshiro's "I Like You" Shanghai Xuhui Building Scene Draws Attention

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
 
The heartwarming and opposites-attract romance between heartthrob Takeshi Kaneshiro and actress Zhou Dongyu in the film *I Like You* has received widespread acclaim. In Taiwan, it grossed over NT$10 million in just five days of release, while in mainland China, its two-week earnings soared to nearly NT$1 billion (RMB 201.78 million), earning it the title of a must-watch romantic film of the year. *I Like You* blends food and love, winning over fans' hearts. The film was almost entirely shot in Shanghai, reflecting the city's culinary culture — where expressions of affection often include the word “eat,” such as “I’m going to eat you up” (我吃定侬), which actually means “I really like you!” The movie’s cleverly chosen, aesthetically pleasing filming locations have made Shanghai a new hotspot for fans looking to recreate iconic scenes.

The adorable and contrasting romance between Takeshi Kaneshiro and Zhou Dongyu in *I Like You* has been hugely popular. Not only have their dialogues sparked heated discussions among fans, but enthusiasts have also scoured the film for classic scenes, unintentionally creating a must-visit map for Shanghai tourism. The high-rise building where Kaneshiro and Zhou share a romantic sunset moment is none other than the iconic Xuhui Building in Shanghai. Some fans have even taken photos from the exact angles used in the movie posters as a form of pilgrimage.

The Xuhui Building, originally known as the Normandy Apartments or Dongmei Apartments, is located at 1842-1858 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai. With nearly a century of history, the structure was built starting in 1924. It was not only Shanghai’s first building with an outer corridor-style apartment design, but it was also designated as one of Shanghai’s Outstanding Historical Buildings in 1994.

The hotel where Takeshi Kaneshiro and Zhou Dongyu engage in a culinary mind game is also a famous Shanghai landmark — the Ruijin Guesthouse (now the Ruijin InterContinental Hotel). This century-old building was once the site of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling’s engagement. The food featured in *I Like You* also captured significant attention, with some fans even watching the film four times to develop their own recipes for the so-called “Witch Soup Pasta.” In reality, every dish in the film was modified for shooting purposes, but the foundational recipes were designed by Michelin-starred chef Jason Oakley. His French restaurant in Shanghai, Coquille Seafood Bistro, has also become a fan-favorite spot, where visitors can try the Wellington steak and hedgehog cake that won over Kaneshiro.

Shanghai has seen a tourism boom driven by *I Like You*, with food scenes turning into popular attractions. The film also highlights Takeshi Kaneshiro’s stylish looks, which became a major talking point. The smartwatch he uses to keep his distance from Zhou Dongyu eventually becomes a romantic tracker — a sweet plot twist that sent watch-related searches soaring. Meanwhile, Kaneshiro’s classic British-style suit looks stirred up considerable buzz, prompting gentleman groups to head to cinemas specifically to analyze his sartorial choices. The film’s strong word-of-mouth and box office performance not only boosted discussions around its themes and merchandise but also put the Shanghai locations featured in it in the spotlight. Next time you’re in Shanghai, why not visit these romantic spots where Kaneshiro and Zhou’s love story blossomed?
 

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