Hengdian World Studios

More than 1,200 of China’s films and television shows call Hengdian World Studios home.

Built in the 1990s in the town of Hengdian, Hengdian World Studios operates the world’s largest film and television shooting base, supporting China, the world’s second largest film industry and what is soon expected to be the world’s largest movie market. Hengdian’s sites include to-scale replicas of the Ming and Qing Palatial Garden (Forbidden City), a massive 221 BC lookalike Qin palace, as well as replica caves, riverside scenes, and streets of Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and one set in the era of the Republic of China. The largest indoor Buddha statue is also housed on the grounds.

The complex offers visitors little in the way of history, but plenty in the manner of the bizarre. Up close the faux temples are obvious, with cracked, ill-maintained walls. Walking amongst the behemoth structures, the few interpretive signs only describe important movie history, such as a Jet Li fight scene within the Qin Palace. Viewed from afar, however, one could imagine walking within the sprawling splendor of actual important Chinese historical sites.

At any point while visiting Hengdian, visitors could expect to see one of several television dramas being filmed, often with ostentatious dress and occasionally cranes that make the set appear that it is raining. For a price, pictures on thrones with royal costumes are also offered.