Detective Chinatown 1900” – A Time-Twisting Mystery in the Heart of Old Beijing
In 2025, the Detective Chinatown franchise takes an ambitious leap backward in time with Detective Chinatown 1900, a thrilling and stylish prequel that combines historical intrigue, classic detective work, and the series’ signature blend of comedy and chaos. Directed by Chen Sicheng, this latest installment reimagines the roots of the Chinatown detective legacy — with a time-travel twist.
The story follows Lin Tao (Liu Haoran), a young and brilliant scholar in Qing Dynasty-era Beijing, who dreams of becoming a great detective despite living in an age dominated by superstition and imperial rule. When a mysterious Western time traveler crashes into the city through a malfunctioning device, Lin discovers he’s stumbled into a case that transcends centuries — a string of ritualistic murders tied to an ancient secret society that may have shaped the future of Chinatown itself.
With the time traveler, an eccentric inventor named Harold Finch (played by Tom Hiddleston), Lin forms an unlikely partnership. Together, they unravel clues hidden in antique scrolls, secret underground lairs, and the imperial court, all while navigating the cultural tensions between East and West during a rapidly modernizing China.
The film captures the beauty and complexity of 1900 Beijing — lantern-lit alleyways, opulent royal halls, bustling markets, and shadowy corners where danger lurks. Lavish costumes and immersive production design breathe life into the era, while the film’s witty dialogue and sharp pacing keep audiences engaged.
What sets Detective Chinatown 1900 apart is its fusion of genres: a period drama, a murder mystery, a buddy comedy, and even science fiction. The chemistry between Liu Haoran and Hiddleston is electric — a clash of logic and madness, tradition and innovation. As the mystery deepens, they discover the murders are part of a grander conspiracy that connects the founding of Chinatown with global secrets buried in time.
Packed with clever twists, martial arts showdowns, and heartfelt moments, Detective Chinatown 1900 is a dazzling origin story. It proves that while technology changes, the heart of every mystery remains the same — truth, justice, and a detective crazy enough to chase both through time.
