To Live (1994) – Filming Locations
Drama / Romance / War · Directed by Zhang Yimou · Starring Ge You, Gong Li
Married couple Fugui and Jiazhen endure tumultuous events in mid-20th century mainland China as their personal fortunes move from wealthy landownership to peasantry.
Where was To Live filmed?
- Shanghai, China, Shanghai – Opening sequences depicting Xu Fugui's life as a wealthy man before losing his fortune. Shanghai's urban landscape during the pre-1949 period establishes the film's historical setting and the prosperity Fugui will lose
- Anhui Province, China, Anhui – The bulk of the narrative set in the countryside after Fugui flees to the village to escape gambling debts. Zhang Yimou filmed extensively in rural Anhui villages to capture authentic peasant life and the harsh realities of life during the Civil War and early Communist era
- Jiangsu Province, China, Jiangsu – Additional rural scenes depicting Fugui's family life, theatrical performances, and the family's struggle through different historical periods. The Jiangsu locations provide continuity with the Anhui settings and serve as the primary backdrop for the family drama spanning decades