CHINA – Shanghai Airport // Skyfall (2012)
Lots of the Shanghai scenes in “Skyfall” had been filmed in London and Ascot. But a second unit crew still was in China – for some night-time shots.
Why Bond was here
The MI6 is under attack. Henchmen Patrice (Ola Rapace) has stolen a flash drive with the names of all MI6 and NATO agents being undercover in terrorist organizations – sure, Bond needs it back. He follows Patrice to Shanghai, dogging his steps from the airport into the city center.
How you gonna get there
Well, you get to an airport via plane. We actually used Pudong International Airport as transit on our way from Hamburg to Japan. But sure, there is more to it.
The Shanghai Airport isn’t a real movie location, as the “Skyfall” crew never filmed inside. The race court at Ascot in Berkshire is the actual replace for the airport scene. However, a second unit crew filmed footage outside the airport at Pudong, Shanghai’s business district. You can see the airport in an establishing shot – and then the cars of Bond and Patrice driving along Yan’an Elevated Highway and Century Avenue. Check out “James Bond Locations Blog” for more details!
Good to know
Though the second unit crew filmed exterior scenes in Shanghai, all interior scenes are a mixture of other places. Next to the Royal Ascot Racing Court there is the hotel with the rooftop pool, Bond stays in. It is the Canary Riverside Spa in London – check out our review of the place right here. And then there is the skyscraper in which Bond and Patrice fight. This is also London – the Broadgate Tower, that we visited here.
The Shanghai Airport might look cool in “Skyfall” – but we didn’t really like the place. Okay, the place is an architectural from the outside. But inside? We had to wait for around eight hours over night and it wasn’t that comfy. Great dining options or nice shops? Don’t expect much. Cozy lounge chairs? Look elsewhere. Next time we head out into the city!
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