By the MOOK Scenic Spots editorial team
The heartwarming and opposites-attract romance between heartthrob Takeshi Kaneshiro and actress Zhou Dongyu in the movie "This Is Not What I Expected" has received rave reviews. The film grossed over NT$10 million in Taiwan within just five days of its release, and in just two weeks in mainland China, its box office earnings soared to nearly NT$1 billion (RMB 201.78 million), earning it the title of a must-watch romantic film this year. "This Is Not What I Expected" combines food and love, deeply capturing the hearts of fans, especially young women. The film was almost entirely shot in Shanghai, reflecting the city’s love for cuisine. In Shanghainese, expressions of affection often involve food — for example, “我吃定侬” (I’ve got you figured out) actually means “I really like you.” The film’s cleverly chosen shooting locations are full of aesthetic charm, and many of the spots featured have made Shanghai a new hotspot for fans to visit and take photos.
Wu Kang Building. (Photo by MOOK Scenic Spots Zhang Yingying)
In the movie "This Is Not What I Expected," the incredibly adorable and contrasting romance between Takeshi Kaneshiro and Zhou Dongyu has garnered tremendous praise. Not only have their lines become hot topics among fans, but enthusiastic viewers have also sought out all the iconic scenes from the film, which have unexpectedly turned into a must-visit map for Shanghai tourism. The skyscraper where Kaneshiro and Zhou romantically watch the sunset is none other than the famous Wu Kang Building in Shanghai. Some fans have even gone as far as taking photos from the exact angles used in the movie posters as a form of pilgrimage.
The skyscraper where Takeshi Kaneshiro and Zhou Dongyu romantically watched the sunset is the Wu Kang Building. (Image provided by Jia Shang Entertainment)
The Wu Kang Building, originally known as the Normandy Apartments or Dongmei Apartments, is located at 1842-1858 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai. With a history of nearly 100 years, the building was constructed in 1924. Aside from being Shanghai’s first building with an outer corridor-style apartment design, it was also designated as one of Shanghai’s outstanding historical buildings in 1994.
Ruijin Guesthouse. (Image provided by Jia Shang Entertainment)
The hotel where Takeshi Kaneshiro and Zhou Dongyu engage in a food-themed battle of wits is another iconic Shanghai structure — the Ruijin Guesthouse (now the Ruijin InterContinental Hotel). This century-old building was once the site where Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling got engaged. The food in "This Is Not What I Expected" also became a major highlight, with some fans even watching the film four times to create their own recipe for the “Witch Soup Pasta.” In reality, every dish in the movie was modified for filming purposes, but the culinary foundation was designed by Michelin-starred chef Jason Oakley. His French restaurant in Shanghai, "Coquille Seafood Bistro," has also become a popular spot for fans to try the Wellington steak and hedgehog cake that won over Kaneshiro.
The love umbrella from the film. (Image provided by Jia Shang Entertainment)
Shanghai has seen a tourism boom driven by "This Is Not What I Expected," with food scenes turning into major attractions. The fashion and style of Takeshi Kaneshiro in the film have also become a highlight. The smartwatch he initially used to keep his distance from Zhou Dongyu eventually became a love-tracking device — a sweet plot twist that led to increased interest in the watch. Meanwhile, Kaneshiro’s classic British-style suit look sparked widespread discussion, with some gentlemen’s clubs even organizing group cinema visits to study the actor’s sartorial choices. The film’s strong word-of-mouth and box office success have not only made related topics and merchandise popular but have also put the Shanghai locations featured in the movie in the spotlight. Next time you’re in Shanghai, be sure to visit these romantic spots where Kaneshiro and Zhou’s love story began.