China's Hollywood: Hengdian World Studios
Hengdian World Studios, located in Hengdian Town, Dongyang City, Zhejiang Province, is one of the largest film and television production bases in China, also known as 'China's Hollywood.' As a comprehensive film and television city that integrates filming, sightseeing, and entertainment, Hengdian attracts countless film and television enthusiasts and tourists with its magnificent scenery and rich cultural connotations. I had the privilege of visiting Hengdian World Studios, and here are my impressions.
First Impressions of Hengdian World Studios
The sheer scale of Hengdian World Studios left me in awe. The entire studio not only covers many different historical filming scenes but also has several themed parks that perfectly combine historical culture with modern film and television production. From the moment I entered the studio, I was struck by the grandeur of the city gates. This film and television city is not just a filming base; it is the birthplace of many TV dramas and a pilgrimage site for fans.
Stepping into the Ancient World: Palaces and Markets
Hengdian World Studios' filming areas are divided into many different themed zones, the most representative of which are the large ancient scenes like 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' and 'The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.' In the 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' area, I felt as if I had traveled back to the Song Dynasty's Bianjing, with actors and staff dressed in ancient costumes filling the streets. Every detail meticulously recreated the bustling and lively atmosphere of an ancient city. The market here has various handicraft shops and snack stalls, where visitors can taste authentic Jiangnan snacks and experience the lively scenes of an ancient market.
Walking into 'The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor' gave me a strong sense of historical shock. The sets here are built according to historical facts, with grand palace halls and majestic terracotta warriors making me feel as if I were in ancient China over two thousand years ago, sharing the same space with historical figures. The architectural style of the ancient palaces and the costumes and props perfectly present the grandeur and luxury of ancient China.
Experiencing Film and Television Production
One of the unique features of Hengdian World Studios is that it allows visitors to get up close to film and television production scenes. In the 'Film Shooting Base' area, I had the opportunity to visit the set of a historical drama being filmed. When I walked into the set, I saw actors in gorgeous costumes seriously filming. Although it was just a few minutes, seeing every step of the filming process made me deeply appreciate the complexity and effort involved in film and television production.
Here, I also saw some props and scenes that often appear in TV dramas. Most of these scenes are specially set up for filming, not only grand in scale but also full of historical sense. Every detail of the scenes is filled with artistic creativity, making people want to take photos to remember the moment.
Themed Parks: Entertainment and Interaction
In addition to the rich filming scenes, Hengdian World Studios also has some entertainment-themed areas that allow visitors to experience the world of film and television more deeply. For example, in the 'Kung Fu World' area, I could participate in martial arts experiences. Professional coaches guide visitors through martial arts moves, and although it was just simple swordsmanship and boxing, it made me feel the charm of the martial arts world.
Moreover, Hengdian World Studios hosts 'Star Meet and Greet' events. Whenever famous actors or directors come to the studio for filming, public meet-and-greet events are held, which is undoubtedly a great opportunity for fans. Visitors can get up close to their favorite stars and interact with them, making for an unforgettable travel memory.
Feeling the Charm of Film and Television Culture
Hengdian World Studios is not just a film and television production base; it is also a place rich in cultural connotations. Here, I could experience the development of Chinese film and television culture. The studio has several exhibition halls showcasing various props, costumes, editing techniques, and photography equipment needed for filming. These exhibitions gave me a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship behind film and television production.
In the 'China Film and Television Museum,' I saw many historical materials on film and television production, learning about the development trajectory of the Chinese film and television industry. The museum's exhibits include various old filming equipment, classic movie posters, and autographs of famous actors. These exhibits made me feel the charm of film and television art and gave me a more comprehensive understanding of the industry's development.
Conclusion
The two-day, one-night trip to Hengdian World Studios gave me a deeper understanding of Chinese film and television culture and made me appreciate the effort and artistic value of film and television production. Whether it is the spectacular ancient scenes, the real filming sites, or the highly entertaining themed parks, I have great respect for this film and television city. Hengdian is not only a pilgrimage site for fans but also a must-visit place for any tourist who loves movies and culture. If you have the chance to visit Zhejiang, Hengdian World Studios is undoubtedly a worthwhile destination that will offer you an unforgettable journey into the world of film and television culture.