Over 30 filmmakers from Belt and Road partner countries visited Shanghai's Xinchang Ancient Town on Friday during the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival Belt and Road Film Week, where they appreciated both cinematic arts and the town's ancient China vibes.

Xinchang Ancient Town, one of the filming locations for renowned director Ang Lee's movie "Lust, Caution," offered filmmakers experiences such as appreciating traditional Suzhou Pingtan opera, tasting Chinese tea and pastries, learning about traditional Chinese medicine culture and making Chinese herbal sachets.

"I find it fascinating. It's very mysterious to me, because I don't know much about it. It's also so different from region to region, and I realize that there is a lot of richness. So I would like to travel more and and see more regions, and stay longer time, because one week is very short," said Teodora Mihai, director of Romanian film "Traffic."

"I've heard that they shot a lot of films, and I understand why. I mean it's seems like a very good location for filming. It's my first time here so I hope to come back, whenever I can and to make a movie," said Balint Szimler, director of Hungarian film "Lesson Learned."

"I find that Chinese people very open, with an open heart and with an open mind, receiving us from all over the world in this beautiful festival. I find it very important," said Urzula Barba Hopfner, director of Mexican film "Corina."

In recent years, Shanghai has been linking tourist attractions and cultural venues with the film festival to boost consumption and promote integrated development of culture, tourism, and business.