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Hengdian World Studios: The Heartbeat of China’s Film Industry

By Théophile Niyitegeka
On 6 June 2024 at 01:43

Located in the picturesque town of Hengdian in Zhejiang Province, Hengdian World Studios has transformed from a modest beginning into the world’s largest and most prolific film and television production hub. Since its inception in 1996 with the construction of Guangzhou Street, this remarkable studio complex has grown into a dynamic and influential force in global entertainment.

Spanning over 20 years of development, Hengdian World Studios is not only a premier filming location but also a top-rated national tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Boasting an impressive array of over ten major scenic areas, including the grandiose Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties and the historically rich Palace of Emperor Qin, Hengdian World Studios has become synonymous with cinematic excellence.

Hengdian World Studios features over ten major scenic areas, including the Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Palace of Emperor Qin, Qingming Shanghetu, and the New Yuanmingyuan.

This impressive development earned it the national 5-A tourist attraction rating in 2010, drawing nearly 20 million visitors annually and reaching a total of almost 200 million visitors over the years.

As the largest film shooting base in the world, Hengdian boasts over 100 top-grade (film-level) and secondary-grade (TV-level) studios, alongside more than 2,000 various film and TV shooting scenes. The studios host over 300 film and TV crews each year, with more than 4,000 crews having filmed there in total.

This bustling activity has drawn over 1,500 film and television companies, including industry giants like Daylight Entertainment, iQiyi, Bona Film Group, and New Classics Media. Remarkably, eight of China’s top ten film and television companies have set up operations in Hengdian, making it the area with the highest concentration of leading film and cultural enterprises in China.

Known as the “Oriental Hollywood,” Hengdian World Studios is where two-thirds of China’s films and TV dramas are shot, serving as a crucial "barometer" and "weathervane" of the Chinese film and television industry.

Among its many attractions, the Palace of Emperor Qin stands out as a highlight. Built in 1997 and modeled after the Qin Xianyang No.1 Palace, this majestic site covers approximately 53 hectares with a building area of 110,000 square meters.

The scenic area is designed around a central axis connecting the city gate, central palace gate, and main hall, with symmetrical architecture that includes corner towers, arrow towers, Que towers, watchtowers, long corridors, and cloud ladders.

The Hall of Universal Unity, the centerpiece of the Palace of Emperor Qin, stands 44.8 meters high with a building area of 6,400 square meters. The hall’s grandeur is accentuated by 99 steps leading up to it, symbolizing Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s ambition to unify the six states. This historical and architectural marvel has been the backdrop for many blockbuster films, including Chen Kaige’s “The Emperor and the Assassin,” “Hero,” and “The Forbidden Kingdom.”

The Palace of Emperor Qin is more than just a filming location; it is a comprehensive area that combines film shooting with tourism. Designated shooting areas such as Hanjie and Huayangtai authentically recreate the street scenes and architectural styles of the Qin and Han dynasties. The ancient roads, battle scenes, and buildings of the Yan, Zhao, Qin, and Han cultures are brought to life with meticulous detail.

Over 500 film and television works have been completed here, including notable titles like “A Step into the Past,” “The Emperor Hanwu,” “The Promise,” “Beauty’s Rival in Palace,” “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,” “Swords of Legends,” “Dragon Blade,” “Prince of Lan Ling,” “Legend of Lu Zhen,” “The Legend of Mi Yue,” “The Virtuous Queen of Han,” “The Legend of Qin,” “The Empress of China,” “A Happy Life,” “The Legend of Zu,” “God of War, Zhao Yun,” “Hero in Turbulent Times,” “Chinese Paladin 3,” “The Legend of Haolan,” “The Untamed,” “Joy of Life,” “Sword Dynasty,” and “The Promise of Chang’an.”

Visiting Hengdian World Studios brings movie characters to life before your eyes.
Hengdian World Studios attracts millions of visitors each year.
Hengdian World Studios is not only a premier filming location but also a top-rated national tourist attraction.
Hengdian World Studios features over ten major scenic areas, including the Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Palace of Emperor Qin, Qingming Shanghetu, and the New Yuanmingyuan.
Visiting Hengdian World Studios offers an immersive glimpse into the captivating world of Chinese cinema.
Hengdian World Studios is located in the picturesque town of Hengdian in Zhejiang Province.
Two-thirds of China’s films and TV dramas are shot at Hengdian World Studios.
Hengian World Studios covers approximately 53 hectares with a building area of 110,000 square meters.

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