Playing around in London with Harry Potter

On June 26, 1997, the novel “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by British writer J. K. Rowling was published in the United Kingdom. This little wizard with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead was known for the first time. Soon after, the magic story of the undefeatable boy with a wand quickly won over the heart of global readers.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Chinese version of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" in China. Like many other readers around the world, Chinese readers also experience a series of adventures with the main characters and fall in love with this magical world.

There is a city in the UK that is inextricably linked to this legendary world---London. Let's take a tour around London and find the imprint of the magic world.

Warner Bros. Studio

It used to be the shooting site of the film “Harry Potter” and was later converted into a production factory for tourists. It was made accessible to the public since 2012. Here, you can enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Harry Potter movie, see for yourself all the scenes, costumes, and props used in the movies, and walk into some of the scenes including the Great Hall, Dumbledore's office and Hagrid's hut.

The whole studio is divided into three areas: two indoor scene areas (school dormitory, classroom, various models, etc.), and an outdoor scene area (knight bus, street setting, etc.). While it reserves the iconic scenes and props to the greatest extent, it also adds many interactive activities.

the 9¾ Platform at the King's Cross Station

People who have watched “Harry Potter”, won’t forget how the students go to the magic school --- through the Hogwarts Express. The train departs from Kings Cross Station and take you all the way to Hogwarts.

Situated in the King’s Cross Station in London, the 9¾ platform does exist. Although people cannot crash into the wall for real and take the Hogwarts Express, it still attracts many fans taking photos: they lean on the trolley, as if they could break through the wall.

If you have the chance to take a visit, the Harry Potter store next to the platform is a great place to take a look. It is built as an attempt to imitate Ollivanders wand shop and will certainly remind you of the film.

Leadenhall Market

The Leadenhall Market, made up of cobblestone walkways and glass roofs, brings together many chain stores and authentic restaurants. It is a classic representative of Victorian markets in London.

Here lies the Diagon Alley scene in “Harry Potter”, which has appeared in several films. Observant fans could spot a store with blue gates which is the entrance to Leaky Cauldron.

“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” at London’s West End

“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” came out 19 years after “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, it’s about the grown-up Harry Potter working in the Ministry of Magic and stories of his three children.

This play is divided into two parts, played on July 30, 2016 at the West End of London. This West End play has won 9 awards in the history of Laurence Olivier Awards, which is the most awards winning drama in the history.

Westminster Underground

In the movie “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, Mr. Weasley accompanied Harry to the Ministry of Magic and chose to take the Muggle’s underground. The underground station they walked into was Westminster station, although the scene wasn’t long, but the entire underground station was closed for a day during the shooting.

London Zoo

At the Reptile House in London Zoo, Harry Potter discovered his parseltongue for the first time.

In addition to some of the largest snakes on earth, the reptile house is also the home of lizards and crocodiles, and reptile lovers will be fascinated by the biodiversity here.