Maps of Movies

Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles (2005)

Where Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles says it takes place, and where it was really shot.

A Japanese father crosses into Yunnan to film a folk opera, and the film's main set was a tourist old town outside Lijiang

Scenes and places

Gouichi's home in Akita (2005)

Gouichi, an elderly Japanese man, has been on poor terms with his son Kenichi since his wife's death. When Kenichi falls ill, he sets out for Tokyo.

Set in Gouichi's home, Akita Province — Gouichi's home in Akita, from where he sets out when his son Kenichi falls ill.

The hospital in Tokyo (2005)

Gouichi travels to Tokyo, but his son refuses to see him. Kenichi's wife Rie gives him a video tape of a Nuo opera artist, Li Jiamin, and Gouichi decides to go to China in his son's place to film Li's performance.

Set in Hospital in Tokyo — The Tokyo hospital where Kenichi is a patient.

Arriving in Li's village near Lijiang (2005)

Gouichi arrives with his translator and a local guide, only to learn that Li is in prison. He insists on filming Li and no one else, then starts the slow process of getting clearance from the authorities.

Set in Village of Li, near Lijiang — The village near Lijiang where Gouichi learns that Li Jiamin is in prison.

Filmed at Shuhe Ancient Town, Lijiang (Shuhe Ancient Town, Lijiang, China) — The film's main filming area, per the Chinese Wikipedia article; which scenes were shot here is not stated. Google Maps · Apple Maps

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Gouichi meets Li in prison (2005)

After the clearances come through, Gouichi is let into the prison. Li breaks down in tears, because he misses his son too much to perform.

Set in Prison, Yunnan — The prison where Li is held.

Stone Village and Yang Yang (2005)

Gouichi decides to fetch Li's 8-year-old son Yang Yang from Stone Village. While there he gets a call from Rie, who says Kenichi has been touched by his efforts and wants him to come home. He wonders if the message is really from Kenichi, but keeps going.

Set in Stone Village — The village where Li's 8-year-old son Yang Yang lives.

The vehicle breaks down on the way to the prison (2005)

On the way to the prison the vehicle breaks down. Yang Yang, anxious about meeting a father he does not remember, runs away.

Set in Road to the prison — A road on the way to the prison.

A night in a cave in the limestone hills (2005)

Gouichi chases the boy and the two get lost in the limestone hills. With no choice, they sleep in a cave. Yang Yang is hostile at first, but trusts Gouichi more as the hours pass.

Set in Limestone hills — Limestone hills where Gouichi and Yang Yang get lost.

The Nuo opera in the prison hall (2005)

Li, with fellow prisoners as musicians and supporting actors, prepares to perform the opera Gouichi came to film. Gouichi has his camera in hand.

Set in Prison hall — The prison hall where Li performs the Nuo opera Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles.

Characters

• Gouichi Takata — An elderly Japanese father who travels to China to film a performance on behalf of his estranged son.
• Li Jiamin — A Nuo opera artist from Yunnan, held in prison, who has promised to perform Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles.
• Yang Yang — Li's 8-year-old son, who does not remember his father.

Questions answered on the map

• Where in China was Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles mostly filmed?