Hengdian World Studios, often referred to as “China’s Hollywood” in Zhejiang Province, has become a popular destination for tourists who want to step into their favorite TV drama roles. This immersive experience is giving a significant boost to the local tourism industry.
Known for hosting the production of nearly 100 films and TV dramas, “The Palace of Emperor Qin” at Hengdian World Studios has attracted countless visitors eager to capture memories at this iconic location. During the summer vacation, tourist numbers at this site increased by about 20%, with weekend visitors surpassing 10,000 each day.
“I watch a lot of TV series, so I wanted to visit and feel the atmosphere of the ancient city. The scenery here is very realistic, and I’ve seen similar scenes in many dramas,” said one tourist.
Visitors can also participate in filming experiences at “Qing Ming Shang He Tu,” another popular set within Hengdian World Studios.
“I’ve always dreamed of acting in historical dramas, wondering what it would be like. I played the role of a boss, and it felt amazing,” shared another visitor.
As night falls, the Guangzhou Street and Hong Kong Street Scenic Area in Hengdian World Studios comes alive with grand nighttime performances. “The sound and light integration here is impressive. It allows for a more immersive experience than usual,” noted a tourist.
During the summer holiday, many students on study tours flocked to Hengdian World Studios to engage in microfilm shooting. Zhang Jinquan, a microfilm director, mentioned that shooting begins as early as 7:00 a.m. “At peak times, there could be up to 40 microfilm shoots per day, with each session lasting around two and a half hours. The increased volume of work has also led to higher wages for us. Based on current figures, we anticipate a year-on-year increase of about 15%,” Zhang added.
The influx of tourists has also benefited local Hanfu shops, which offer traditional Chinese costumes and makeup services. These shops have seen a surge in business as visitors seek to fully immerse themselves in the historical experience.
Hotels in Hengdian are also experiencing a boom. In one Shanghai-style hotel, the lobby was bustling with guests checking in.
A hotel manager explained that, in addition to offering a movie and TV-themed experience styled after old Shanghai, they also provide guests with discounts on scenic area tickets. “This theme gives me a feeling of going back to old Shanghai. It’s eye-opening, and I’m very satisfied. The facilities, both hardware and software, are excellent. I plan to bring other family members to visit,” said one guest.
“Compared to other times of the year, our hotel occupancy rate during the summer holiday has increased by around 10% to 20%,” said Kong Xiaofang, the hotel manager.
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