The cast and crew promote "Detective Chinatown 1900" on stage at a promotional event at the China National Film Museum in Beijing, Jan. 22, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

The 10-year-old "Detective Chinatown" franchise returns for the Spring Festival with a new prequel, "Detective Chinatown 1900." According to director Chen Sicheng, the film retains its original style while also receiving a comprehensive upgrade in content and production scale. Producer Fan Xia noted that they invested significantly in this project, even recreating a version of Chinatown in San Francisco as it appeared in 1900.