The modern Chinese romance Shine On Me, starring Song Wei Long and Zhao Jin Mai, has captured viewers’ hearts with its story and its stunning visual backdrop. The series was filmed primarily across the scenic Zhejiang province in East China. From ancient studio towns to iconic lakes, the production utilized a mix of historical sets and natural beauty to bring its story to life. For fans dreaming of walking in the characters’ footsteps, here is a complete guide to the key filming locations.
Where Was Shine On Me Shot? The Primary Filming Hub
Shine On Me was primarily filmed in Zhejiang province, a coastal region in East China known for its diverse landscapes. The production leveraged this variety, shooting in locations ranging from meticulously recreated historical film studios to famous tourist landmarks. A significant portion of the filming took place in and around Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang, and at the massive Xiangshan Film Studio complex in neighboring Ningbo.
A Tour of Key Shine On Me Filming Locations
Xiangshan Film Studio: The Historical Backdrop
While Shine On Me is a modern story, it drew upon the atmospheric sets of the Xiangshan Film Studio for several scenes. This massive complex is a cornerstone of China’s film industry and includes several distinct areas used in the drama.
- Spring & Autumn Warring States City: Located within the Xiangshan Film Studio, this area is a fan-favorite filming hub for historical dramas. It features towering city walls, palaces, military camps, and traditional market streets. The production used this location for its architectural beauty and world-building sequences.
- Xiangyang Studio: Also part of the Xiangshan Film City, this studio is noted for its highly realistic, 400-meter-long Song Dynasty-style cityscape, complete with a moat and a functional drawbridge. It provided Shine On Me with dramatic establishing shots that transport viewers.
The Natural Beauty of Hangzhou
The drama beautifully showcases the natural and cultural landmarks around Hangzhou, blending romance with scenery.
- West Lake: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a classic location for romance in Chinese cinema, West Lake features prominently. Viewers can spot its iconic spots like the Baochu Pagoda, Leifeng Pagoda, Broken Bridge, and Yanggong Dike. The romantic sequences filmed here have been highlighted by early viewers.
- Tanqi Town: This ancient water town, with its rivers, forests, and historic sites like the Guangji Bridge, provided a peaceful natural backdrop. Reports indicate some of the sweetest outdoor moments between the lead characters were filmed here.
- Xianghu Xiaoyao Manor: This hotel and resort area in the Xiaoshan district, surrounded by lakes and trees, served as a perfect setting for emotional, character-driven moments in the drama. Scenes involving both main and supporting cast were filmed at this location.
Modern Urban Settings
The story also moves into contemporary spaces, contrasting with the historical and natural locales.
- Olympic Sports Impression City: This modern shopping and dining plaza near the Olympic Sports Center in Hangzhou is where a key scene between the female lead and her best friend was shot. The location’s futuristic architecture and neon lights provide a stylish urban backdrop.
Can You Visit the Shine On Me Filming Locations?
Yes, most of the filming locations for Shine On Me are open to the public and are popular tourist destinations.
- Xiangshan Film Studio areas like the Spring & Autumn Warring States City are accessible to visitors. For example, the studio is typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an admission fee of around 150 yuan.
- Locations like West Lake, Tanqi Town, and Xianghu Xiaoyao Manor are publicly accessible landmarks in Hangzhou.
- The Olympic Sports Impression City is a public commercial complex.
About the Drama Shine On Me
Shine On Me is a modern romance drama that follows the journey of Nie Xi Guang, a bright university student navigating her first crush and the professional world. Upon entering the workforce, she meets Lin Yu Sen, a former surgeon, whose support helps her move past regrets. The series is an adaptation of the popular web novel “Blazing Sunlight” by Gu Man.
The drama, which premiered on December 22, 2025, consists of 36 episodes in total. It is available for global audiences to stream on Rakuten Viki, Netflix, and WeTV. The first several episodes are available for free on Viki and WeTV.
