Hengdian World Studios

​​Overview​​

Hengdian World Studios, located in Zhejiang Province’s Hengdian Town, is the globe’s largest film and television production hub. Established in 1996 by entrepreneur Xu Wenrong under Hengdian Group, it began as a single set for The Opium War and has since grown into a sprawling complex with 130+ indoor studios and 14 meticulously designed outdoor bases. Recognized as a ​​AAAAA-rated scenic area​​ by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it merges cinematic production with immersive tourism, drawing ​​20 million+ visitors​​ and ​​3,200+ film/TV crews​​ (including international projects) by 2024.

​​Key Features​​

1. ​​Historical Replicas & Themed Zones​​:

   • ​​Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties​​: A 1:1 replica of Beijing’s Forbidden City, spanning 100 hectares, used in The Story of Yanxi Palace and Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace.
   • ​​Qin Palace​​: A grand 800-acre set mimicking the Qin Dynasty’s Xianyang Palace, featuring the 44.8-meter-high "All United into One Hall" (The Hero, The Emperor and the Assassin).
   • ​​Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival​​: A Song Dynasty-inspired landscape based on the famed Qingming Shanghe Tu painting.
   • ​​Guangzhou Street • Hong Kong Street​​: The original 1996 set, recreating 19th-century colonial architecture (The Opium War).

2. ​​Film & Tourism Integration​​:

   • ​​Live Performances​​: Daily shows like Dream Tai Chi (staged 1,800+ times) and Flooding the Mountain (simulated disasters) enhance visitor engagement.
   • ​​Interactive Experiences​​: Tourists can dress in period costumes, witness shoots, and explore props/equipment rentals.

3. ​​Global Impact & Infrastructure​​:

   • ​​Economic Contribution​​: Generates ​​$1.3B+ annual revenue​​ (2024) for Hengdian Group, supporting 50,000+ jobs.
   • ​​Logistics​​: Free outdoor filming (since 2000) and partnerships with 150+ countries streamline global productions.
   • ​​Sustainability​​: $500M+ invested in eco-projects (2020–2025), including solar-powered studios.

​​Visitor Experience​​

• ​​Tickets & Hours​​:
  • ​​All-access pass​​: ~60 (winter) to 70 (summer); single-site tickets from $20.
  • ​​Operating hours​​: 8:00–17:00 (summer); 8:30–16:30 (winter).
• ​​Transport​​:
  • ​​From Shanghai/Hangzhou​​: 2–3.5 hours via high-speed rail to Yiwu, then shuttle buses.
  • ​​Airports​​: Hangzhou Xiaoshan (2-hour shuttle) or Yiwu Airport (1-hour drive).
• ​​Accommodations​​: Over 10 themed hotels (e.g., ​​Guangzhou Street Hotel​​) and star-sighting spots like Dream Bund Resort.

​​Cultural Significance​​

Dubbed "Chinawood" by Hollywood Reporter, Hengdian preserves intangible heritage through reconstructed dynastic architecture and folk arts. It was pivotal in reviving interest in Qing-era dramas globally.

​​Future Developments​​

Plans include ​​VR showrooms​​, expanded ​​international co-productions​​, and a ​​"Time-Traveling Movie Dream"​​ tourism campaign targeting families (2025–2030).

In summary, Hengdian World Studios is a unparalleled fusion of cinema, history, and tourism—a must-visit for filmmakers, culture enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a "living museum" of China’s past.