The filming process of the action-adventure movie started on the frozen Baikal in extreme cold conditions, when the temperature dropped to -40°C, and ended in China, where the heat reached +40°C. For each location in the movie, suitable regions were chosen. Manchuria was recreated in the Pskov region and near the Russian-Finnish border. Scenes related to the train stations and interiors of Belogorsk were filmed in St. Petersburg.
East streets
In movie
Scene where Among the small houses and vaulted arches of an eastern street, the protagonist, played by Miloš Biković, stands opposite an elderly Chinese man. They are clearly discussing something incredibly important, judging by the tense faces of both participants in the dialog.
Real
Scene was shot at one of the world's largest movie studios, Hengdian World Studios. Opened in 1996, Hengdian World Studios is now known as China's Hollywood. It is located in a township about 2.5 hours south of Hangzhou and about 4.5 hours from Shanghai.
Lake
In movie
Scene where on a snowy lake covered with smooth ice, an ancient sailing ship glides quickly. Its snow-white sails, slightly worn by time, seem to come to life with the help of a tailwind. One gets the feeling that someone is chasing the heroes.
Real
Scene was shot on Lake Baikal. This amazing and unique natural object, chosen for filming in extreme conditions of -40°C, became an incredibly spectacular and severe location for the movie. The splendor of Lake Baikal in winter, when its water surface freezes, forming cracks and ice seams, creates a truly mystical atmosphere.
Railroad
In movie
Scene where The Trans-Siberian Express rushes across Russia, delivering secret documents on which the future of the USSR and China depends. The train is traveling along a snow-covered road winding through a dense coniferous forest. Tall fir trees, covered with a fluffy layer of snow, stretch along the tracks like a wall, hiding the train from the world. The frosty air is thick with steam escaping from the locomotive.
Real
Scene was shot in the Pskov region. It is an ideal location for filming, especially due to its natural beauty and variety of landscapes. Snowy winters, when the forest is covered with a snow-white cover and the air is clear and frosty, look especially spectacular in cinematic scenes. The Governor of the Pskov region Mikhail Vedernikov and his daughter visited the filming location. A special tour of the site was organized for them.
