China’s ‘Hollywood’ offers visitors a chance to star in their own dramas

Visitors to Hengdian World Studios in eastern China are finding a new way to experience the country’s film industry, stepping into elaborate costumes and starring in their own historical dramas.
Known as “China’s Hollywood”, the sprawling complex, famous for producing period television dramas, has expanded into experiential tourism, allowing visitors to film scenes on sets ranging from a replica of Beijing’s Forbidden City to old Shanghai streets.
Since launching the experience in August, more than 2,000 people have participated, with bookings frequently full, particularly during weekends and holidays.
The attraction offers visitors costumes, professional hair and makeup, directed filming sessions and edited videos. For 388 yuan ($55), groups receive a 30-minute shoot and a 90-second video, choosing from more than 20 scripts featuring palace intrigue, romance and betrayal.
The initiative reflects changing consumer spending in China, where demand for travel, entertainment and immersive experiences has remained strong despite a slowing economy and prolonged property downturn.
Clare Huang, who played an empress alongside friends in a palace drama, said the experience fulfilled a childhood interest in directing and acting.
Another visitor, 28-year-old influencer Xie, travelled to Hengdian after seeing videos of the productions on social media. She paid 498 yuan ($70) for an individual session based on an original script.
The studio’s popularity has also created a busy schedule for directors. Wang Weili, one of the production directors, said he sometimes filmed 20 groups in a single day during peak holiday periods.
The experience reflects growing interest in interactive entertainment, with visitors increasingly embracing opportunities to dress up, perform and become part of the stories they once watched on screen. -Reuters