The picturesque landscapes of Anning, Yunnan province, are drawing visitors not only for their natural beauty but also thanks to their prominent role in the popular Chinese television drama, “Good Times.” The series, which aired throughout 2025, has sparked a surge in tourism to the region, as fans seek to experience the locations that served as the backdrop for the heartwarming story. This trend highlights the growing influence of television and film in shaping travel destinations and promoting regional economies.
“Good Times” captivated audiences with its portrayal of family life and resilience, set against the backdrop of Anning’s transformation from an industrial hub to a spa town. The drama’s success has effectively turned the city into a living set, offering fans a unique opportunity to connect with the narrative on a deeper level. The series, which began filming on December 9, 2024, and wrapped on April 14, 2025, extensively utilized 21 locations throughout Anning, showcasing the city’s diverse character and historical significance.
Anning: From “Steel Backbone” to “Spa Town”
The drama’s narrative mirrors Anning’s own evolution. As director Liu Jiacheng noted, the production team found in Anning a setting that seamlessly blended “the rugged texture of industry with the gentle warmth of Yunnan.” This duality is central to the appeal of Anning as a tourist destination. The city’s history is deeply rooted in its industrial past, particularly its steel production, earning it the moniker “Steel Backbone.” But, Anning is also renowned for its hot springs, giving rise to its more recent identity as a “Spa Town.” This transformation is vividly depicted in “Good Times,” offering viewers a glimpse into the city’s multifaceted identity.
The series’ filming locations include areas like Lianran Street, Jin Fang Street, County Street, Caopu Street, and Wenquan Street, as well as the Kunsteel Aged Factory Area (Kunsteel National Industrial Heritage Site). This deliberate choice of locations underscores the show’s commitment to authenticity and its desire to showcase the city’s unique character. The Kunsteel Old Factory Area, in particular, provides a compelling backdrop for scenes depicting the city’s industrial heritage. Visitors can now explore the area’s red brick factory buildings, rusted furnaces, and former worker dormitories, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Exploring the “Zhuang Family Courtyard” and Industrial Heritage
A key attraction for fans of “Good Times” is the Yunnan Industrial Culture Expo Garden, often referred to as the “Zhuang Family Courtyard” within the context of the show. The garden meticulously recreates the industrial landscape of the past century, with its weathered brick buildings, towering furnaces, and railway lines stretching into the distance. Visitors can wander through the site, capturing photographs reminiscent of the drama’s “wasteland aesthetic” and gaining a deeper understanding of the lives of the workers who once toiled there.
The Expo Garden offers more than just visual appeal. Visitors can participate in educational programs like “How Steel is Made,” providing insights into the processes and challenges faced by the previous generations. Standing near Furnaces No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5, visitors can touch the same weathered industrial surfaces seen in the series, further immersing themselves in the show’s world. Walking along the old railway tracks evokes a sense of traveling through time, connecting the present with the city’s industrial past.
Experiencing Local Life at Pingdingshan Market
Beyond the industrial sites, “Good Times” also highlighted the vibrant everyday life of Anning’s residents. The Pingdingshan Market, featured in the series for its depiction of bustling market scenes, offers visitors a taste of local culture and cuisine. The market, which operates every Sunday, is a microcosm of Anning’s community, with vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, and a variety of local products. It’s a place to experience the “smoke and fire” of daily life, as depicted in the show.
Visitors can sample local delicacies at the Jin Fang Creative Market, immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of Anning’s culinary scene. The market provides a space to observe the interactions between locals and visitors, capturing the essence of the “ordinary life” portrayed in the drama. The series’ emphasis on “柴米油盐、三餐四季” (the daily necessities of life – cooking oil, salt, rice, and the three meals a day) resonated with audiences, and the Pingdingshan Market offers a tangible connection to this theme.
The “Hidden Blade” Aesthetic and Director Liu Yang’s Vision
The success of “Good Times” is also attributed to the directorial vision of Liu Yang, who employed a “藏锋” (cang feng) aesthetic – a deliberate restraint in visual expression. As Liu Yang explained in a recent interview, he consciously avoided flashy techniques, opting instead for a more subtle and nuanced approach to storytelling. This approach is evident in the show’s depiction of emotional moments, such as the scene involving the persimmon tree, where a simple gesture and a whispered line of dialogue conveyed a depth of feeling that surpassed a more overt display of affection.
Liu Yang’s focus on “human smoke and fire” – the everyday details of life – resonated with viewers, creating a sense of authenticity and emotional connection. He aimed to strike a balance between historical accuracy and contemporary relevance, ensuring that the series would appeal to both those who lived through the era depicted and younger audiences. This involved meticulous attention to detail in set design, costumes, and props, as well as a focus on universal themes of family, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life.
Balancing Time and Resonance
Liu Yang addressed the challenge of creating a period drama that would resonate with modern audiences. He emphasized the importance of grounding the story in relatable emotions and experiences, such as the desire for a strong family unit and the aspiration to create a fulfilling life. He also highlighted the need for meticulous research to ensure the accuracy of the historical setting, creating a believable and immersive world for viewers. This commitment to authenticity, combined with a nuanced storytelling approach, contributed to the series’ widespread acclaim.
The director’s approach extended to the visual language of the series, prioritizing subtlety and emotional depth over technical virtuosity. This “hidden blade” aesthetic allowed the story and characters to seize center stage, creating a more intimate and engaging viewing experience. By resisting the temptation to rely on flashy effects or dramatic camera angles, Liu Yang created a series that felt grounded and real, resonating with audiences on a deeper level.
The popularity of “Good Times” and the resulting tourism boom in Anning demonstrate the power of television and film to shape perceptions of place and drive economic development. The city’s transformation from an industrial center to a tourist destination is a testament to its resilience and adaptability, mirroring the themes explored in the series itself. As visitors flock to Anning to experience the locations that inspired “Good Times,” they are not only immersing themselves in the world of the drama but also contributing to the city’s continued growth and prosperity.
The Anning Tourism Bureau has reported a significant increase in visitors since the airing of “Good Times,” with many specifically seeking out the filming locations. This trend is expected to continue as the series gains further recognition and attracts new audiences. The city is actively promoting its tourism offerings, highlighting its industrial heritage, natural beauty, and cultural attractions.
Looking ahead, Anning is poised to capitalize on its newfound popularity as a filming location. The city’s diverse landscapes and historical sites offer a wealth of opportunities for future productions, potentially attracting even more visitors and boosting the local economy. The success of “Good Times” serves as a model for other regions seeking to leverage the power of television and film to promote tourism and cultural exchange.
Key Takeaways:
- The television drama “Good Times” has significantly boosted tourism to Anning, Yunnan province.
- Anning’s transformation from an industrial hub to a spa town is a central theme of the series and a key attraction for visitors.
- Director Liu Yang’s “藏锋” (cang feng) aesthetic contributed to the series’ authenticity and emotional resonance.
- The Kunsteel Old Factory Area and Pingdingshan Market are popular destinations for fans of the show.
As Anning continues to embrace its role as a filming location and tourist destination, It’s likely to see further growth and development. The city’s unique blend of industrial heritage, natural beauty, and cultural attractions makes it a compelling destination for travelers seeking an authentic and immersive experience. The next step for Anning will be to continue investing in its tourism infrastructure and promoting its offerings to a wider audience.
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