Changchun Film Studio museum opens

Changchun Film Studio has long been hailed as the cradle of New China's filmmaking industry.

Changchun Film Studio has long been hailed as the cradle of New China's filmmaking industry. Now, visitors can get closer to the history of Chinese cinema at a museum that has opened at the studio's old site.

The film studio was built during the Japanese occupation. With the Japanese surrender in 1945, the studio was renamed Northeast Film Studio, and in 1955 its name was changed to Changchun Film Studio.

It was the first film factory established after the founding of the People's Republic of China, and is considered the cornerstone of the Chinese film industry. The country's first feature-length film, "Bridge" was produced here.

In 2013, the original site of the Changchun Film Studio was listed as a national cultural heritage site. Now, after years of renovation, visitors can get to know the past glory of the studio.

"The predecessors of Chinese cinema have set great a example for us. They are the role models for today's young filmmakers. This museum immerses them in the past ups and downs of Chinese cinema. I believe it can be a great inspiration for them," said film director Li Qiankuan.

The museum is part of the Changchun Film Theme Park, the first of its kind in China to integrates film entertainment and tourism. The 12th Changchun Film Festival is slated to open later this month. The museum will host the opening and closing ceremomies.