Shanghai to the Himalayas: A Whimsical Journey Through China in "Abominable"

If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring over the Great Wall, gliding past golden canola fields, or standing beneath the snowy peaks of the Himalayas—all while being accompanied by a magical, flute-loving yeti—then Abominable might just be your dream movie in animated form.

Produced by DreamWorks Animation and Pearl Studio, Abominable (《雪人奇缘》) is more than just a heartwarming adventure story. It’s a love letter to the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural traditions of China. Released in 2019, this animated film follows the story of a teenage girl named Yi who discovers a young yeti on the roof of her Shanghai apartment and embarks on a thrilling journey to return him to his Himalayan home. Along the way, they travel through some of China's most iconic destinations—and it’s all wrapped in a fluffy, family-friendly storyline with a magical twist.

So, let’s grab a baozi, hop on a violin-powered cloud, and explore how Abominable showcases China’s natural beauty, urban charm, and cultural heart.

Shanghai Skyscrapers and Urban Vibes

The film opens in a beautifully animated version of modern-day Shanghai, where Yi, the teenage protagonist, lives. With its gleaming skyscrapers, elevated highways, bustling neighborhoods, and dreamy nighttime skyline, the depiction of Shanghai feels instantly familiar to anyone who has wandered along the Bund or admired the Pearl Tower from afar.

What’s special here is how the movie doesn’t just use Shanghai as a backdrop—it becomes a living, breathing part of Yi’s story. You’ll spot narrow alleyways, community courtyards, and rooftop hangouts that reflect the real lifestyle of many young people in China’s big cities. The animators even studied local food markets, public parks, and neighborhood music culture to capture authentic everyday moments, all while maintaining a soft, dreamlike aesthetic.

If you're searching for "animated movies set in China" or "Shanghai in animated films," Abominable is definitely at the top of the list.

Huangshan: Misty Peaks and Floating Pines

One of the most jaw-dropping sequences in Abominable is set in the misty mountains inspired by Huangshan, also known as Yellow Mountain. With its twisted pine trees perched on jagged granite cliffs, floating sea of clouds, and poetic landscapes, Huangshan is often described as nature's ink painting—and the film pays homage to it beautifully.

This scene shows Yi and her friends ascending into the clouds atop a giant dandelion, soaring through the mountain peaks that seem straight out of classical Chinese scrolls. These dreamlike visuals help Abominable stand out as a movie inspired by traditional Chinese aesthetics, while also serving as a subtle tourist invitation. Huangshan’s cinematic charm makes it a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and animated movie fans alike.

Leshan Giant Buddha: A Gentle Giant Among Giants

Further along the journey, the group flies past the Leshan Giant Buddha, an enormous 71-meter tall statue carved into the cliffs of Sichuan province. Known as the largest stone Buddha in the world, it’s more than 1,200 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the film, the Leshan Buddha sits peacefully as the magical travelers whoosh by, creating a quiet moment of awe and reverence. It’s one of the many real-life Chinese landmarks subtly woven into the narrative. For those searching for "famous landmarks in China in animated movies" or "UNESCO sites in animated films," this is a sweet surprise.

Gansu's Canola Fields and Rainbow Mountains

Later in their magical road trip, Yi and her companions find themselves in fields of blooming canola flowers, inspired by the farmlands in Gansu province. These bright yellow seas of blossoms aren’t just visually stunning—they also showcase China’s rich agricultural charm.

And yes, the iconic Zhangye Danxia Landform, better known as China’s Rainbow Mountains, makes an appearance too. These striped, technicolor hills look too magical to be real—but they are! In the movie, they’re rendered with swirling brushstrokes and candy-colored hues, adding a surreal and artistic twist to an already fantastical journey.

These scenes give a nod to China’s diverse geography, perfect for viewers interested in "colorful places in China," "Gansu travel spots," or "Chinese natural wonders in animation."

Yeti Magic Meets Chinese Folk Culture

At the heart of Abominable is the character of Everest—the fluffy, wide-eyed yeti who seems to possess magical powers tied to nature. His gentle spirit and mystical abilities echo elements of Chinese folklore, where mythical creatures often symbolize harmony, protection, and connection to the natural world.

Yi herself plays the violin, and her music holds a special power that brings landscapes to life. This musical theme resonates with traditional Chinese beliefs in the healing and spiritual strength of music. The film even features glowing flowers, flying koi, and mystical clouds—images often found in Chinese mythological art.

For anyone searching for "Chinese elements in animated movies" or "Chinese mythical creatures in film," Everest is a cuddly ambassador.

Chinese Food, Family, and Everyday Joys

No animated movie about China would be complete without a feast. Abominable serves up delicious visual treats like baozi, dumplings, noodles, and even those little soda bottles with glass marbles in them. Yi’s grandma, Nai Nai, is the classic doting Chinese granny, always hovering with food and concern.

The theme of family—especially intergenerational love—is gently woven throughout the film, offering a window into Chinese family values without being preachy. Yi’s journey is also one of personal growth, resilience, and rediscovering wonder, themes that feel both universal and rooted in Chinese storytelling traditions.

Shanghai to the Himalayas: A Travel Poster in Motion

From a tourism perspective, Abominable functions as a soft, sparkly travel poster for China. It presents a safe, beautiful, and enchanted version of the country that’s ideal for families. For travelers curious about “places to visit in China with kids” or “China-inspired travel movies,” this animated gem is both a gentle introduction and an irresistible invitation.

And while the landscapes are elevated with a touch of magic, they’re all based on real places that you can actually visit—perhaps not by cloud dragon or dandelion, but certainly by train, car, or even cable car.

Final Whistle on the Flute

Abominable is a rare treat: a co-production between East and West that feels respectful, sincere, and genuinely joyful in its portrayal of China. Whether you’re chasing SEO dreams like “best Chinese landmarks in animated movies,” “travel in China with kids,” or just want a cozy, heartwarming story with mountain views and moon flowers, this film delivers in fluffy style.

So the next time you hear a flute drifting through the city breeze, maybe it’s not just music—maybe it’s the sound of adventure calling, straight from Shanghai to the Himalayas.

Contact us today to craft your dream China adventure!