Chinese movie starred by Hu Ge sparks travel fever in Shanghai

The 30-episode TV series, which ended last week, has been attracting attention from Chinese online users with posts about the drama having been read 4.3 billion times on social media platform Weibo.

Tourism activities have since benefited from the show. As of Jan. 5, travel searches for Shanghai have increased by over 20% compared to last month, with bookings for private and group tours jumping by 75% and 30% respectively, China Global Television Network (CGTN) reported, citing data from Chinese travel ticketing platform Ctrip.

Tai Sheng Yuan Restaurant, which appeared in the production, also drew attention from tourists as tables have been fully booked for the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Taishengyuan Restaurant on Huanghe Road in Shanghai. Photo by Wiki

Peace Hotel, a key setting in “Blossoms Shanghai,” is offering a 1,460 yuan (US$200) set meal that was featured in the drama.

The two-person package includes dishes from the TV series such as rib and rice cake, and dry-fried beef Hor Fun, South China Morning Post reported.

According to travel distributor Tong Cheng Travel, searches for the hotel also increased by 415% between Dec. 27 and Jan. 5.

A classic English-style room at the hotel which was also featured has been fully booked even though room rates cost up to 16,888 yuan per night.

Some other hotels also benefited. Shanghai International Hotel saw bookings increase by 61% and Garden Hotel 55%.

Hu Ge (L) in a scene of the Chinese movie ‘Blossoms Shanghai.’

Set in Shanghai in the 1990s, the show tells stories about a young man named Ah Bao, played by Hu Ge, who overcomes difficulties to become a successful businessman.

Hu Ge, 41, is a popular Chinese actor and singer. He started gaining fame following the 2005 series “Chinese Paladin.” He ranked 24th on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 List for 2020.