Hengdian World Studios is often called China’s Hollywood, and it is the largest film studio in China and one of the biggest in the world, built specifically for large-scale historical and cultural productions. Located in Dongyang, Zhejiang Province, hundreds of dramas and films are shot here every year, ranging from the Song Dynasty street life to ancient palaces, and full city blocks that are built for modern scenes. But it still flies under the radar for most travelers because it mainly caters to a local, Chinese-speaking audience. That is to say, little to none of anything was in English, and no one that I came across spoke English, including in coffee shops. I only found out about this place because my dad wouldn’t stop raving about it from his previous trips to China with my mom, and now on this trip, it is actually his third time going – yes, there is that much to do. And honestly, I get that one would visit several times – they spared no expense in building this: the complex is massive, with over 10 different tourist-friendly themed parks or scenic areas (and growing) in addition to other shooting bases and specialized areas spread across this town. It is definitely one of the most interesting and underrated destinations to visit in China.
If you’re a film buff, a photographer who wants to get a mix of China all in one place (including tourists and workers who dress up in traditional period clothing), or just a traveler looking for a unique experience, Hengdian World Studios is for you. In this guide, I’m breaking down every park in the entire complex, what each one offers, the 6 I explored in depth, how to plan your days, how to get around, where to stay, and all the things you’d want to know before going so that you’re fully prepared to have a great time.
Before you start, be sure to check out my blog post on The Ultimate China Travel Guide – Essential Tips Most Guides Don’t Tell You to help you plan your trip to China efficiently.
Note: Because Hengdian is expanding so rapidly, this is all the up-to-date information as of November 2025.
A Quick Background On Hengdian World Studios
Hengdian World Studios was founded in 1996, starting with Guangzhou Street, which was built for filming The Opium War. It was such a success that more sets were added soon after, including large historical builds like the Qin Palace, and the expansion never really stopped. Today, it’s known for its huge variety of themed areas that recreate everything from ancient dynasties and palace life to old Shanghai, European-inspired streets, and full ancient towns. Over the years, hundreds of dramas and films have been shot here, which is why it’s called China’s Hollywood. Some parks sit close together, but others are spread out far enough that most people use shuttles, taxis, or even change hotels to get around more easily. Inside each park, you’ll walk a lot, since most of the sets are built to real scale rather than a theme-park size.
However, Hengdian isn’t just a theme park. It plays a huge role in how Chinese history and culture are shown on screen. As many films are shot here, the sets need to be built with a level of detail that reflects real architecture and city layouts from different eras. It also allows filmmakers a flexible place to recreate dynasties that no longer exist, and it keeps traditional styles and cultural landmarks visible to the public in a modern way.
Because the sets are based on real historical periods, visiting Hengdian World Studios ends up feeling like stepping through a moving timeline of Chinese culture. It’s a mix of entertainment, education, and nostalgia, which is why so many domestic tourists love it.
It’s also a major job hub – thousands of crew members, production staff, actors, and extras work in Hengdian year-round as new shows film every week, and it’s common to stumble onto active sets while visiting (but they are very strict on whether you can even take a photo!). That constant activity is part of the appeal for locals, who see Hengdian as both entertainment and a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry in China.
Best Time To Visit Hengdian World Studios
Seasons And Weather
Hengdian is worth visiting year-round, but weather can make a big difference. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are usually the most comfortable time to visit, with mild temperatures and clear skies. I did go in mid-October, but it was still very hot at that time – to the point I needed a portable fan and to constantly wipe my sweat. Even when it rained, it was still very hot and tough to deal with. Winter is quiet and peaceful, though it can get chilly, especially in open sets.
Best Time Of Day
Starting your day in the morning is the best strategy, especially if you need to visit more than one park in one day. Most parks open around 8 or 9 AM, and the first few hours are usually the quietest. Afternoon visits are still enjoyable, but crowds build up and popular spots get busy.
Shows And Scheduled Experiences
Some parks have scheduled performances, parades, or even cultural demonstrations. These typically run at set times in the middle of the day or early afternoon. Check the official schedule when you arrive so you can plan your itinerary and route around them.
How To Get To Hengdian World Studios And How To Get Around
Hengdian World Studios is easy to reach from major cities, especially now that there is a newly built train station, Hengdian Railway Station, that allows you to arrive right in the city. Before this, you’d have to take a train to the nearest city in Yiwu and catch a bus or take a taxi the rest of the way, which added at least another hour. Now you can step off the train right in Hengdian and head straight to your hotel or the parks.
How To Get There By Different Modes Of Transportation
- Train – The high-speed train is the fastest and most reliable way in. Depending on where you start, it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 to 3 hours from Shanghai or Hangzhou. Tickets are likely to sell out on weekends and holidays, so booking ahead is needed. The train runs often during the day, and the station is only about 15 minutes from most hotels.
- Bus – Buses still run from nearby cities, but they’re slower and less comfortable. They’re cheap and frequent, but not ideal if you’re carrying luggage or arriving late.
- Car – If you’re driving in, it’s pretty straightforward. The roads are very good – almost like new – and parking lots are built next to the major parks and hotels. Parking is easy unless you’re visiting during a national holiday.
How To Get Around Hengdian
The studio complex is massive – think of it as a handful of large parks spread across different sections of town. Some are close to each other, but others are far enough apart that walking is not realistic, and the best way to get around is to order a Didi. There is a shuttle system that connects all parks and is free with your ticket; however, we didn’t see any buses at all when we went in mid-October, or they may not be available as often unless it’s during the peak seasons.
Taxis are everywhere and pretty affordable. Some hotels also run their own short transfers to the biggest parks.
Once you’re inside the parks, you’ll be walking, but you do have the option to rent a golf cart at every park to help you get around more easily. Wear good shoes because you’ll easily hit 10,000 steps at each park.
Where To Stay In Hengdian World Studios
With over 40 hotels in the area spanning from budget to five-star hotels, there are over 10,000 guest rooms available. But there are 2 locations to think about – nearby to the parks or right inside the parks.
Nearby Hotels Outside Of The Studio
There are plenty of options just outside of Hengdian, including budget hotels that include basic amenities or mid-range hotels that offer more comfort, larger rooms and breakfast. Luxury or boutique options are fewer, but they offer a more refined experience for those looking for the ultimate comfort.
Where I Stayed
For the first 2 nights, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Dongyang Hengdian as it was closer to the first 4 parks we were planning to visit. The room was spacious and comfortable, and breakfast was included, with plenty of options to choose from – including a hot noodle bar that was a nice treat in the mornings. There are several restaurant options nearby (even one next door) and many costume rental shops within walking distance – perfect if you want to grab outfits and enter the parks without extra hassle.
Staying Inside The Studio
For the ultimate convenience, several hotels are located within or immediately adjacent to the major scenic parks. Staying inside the studio means not only is it a “free pass” to the park, but you can start your day early without commuting. The main options range from mid-range to slightly higher-end hotels, many themed to match the historical vibe of the parks. The biggest benefit is time saved and being fully immersed in the atmosphere, but these rooms book up fast – some only open reservations about a month in advance, and prices are generally higher than nearby options.
Where I Stayed
On the last night, I stayed at Hengdian World Studios Sakura Lodge in Guangzhou Street. This Japanese-themed accommodation was perfect for ending the trip in Hengdian because it sits right in the park complex, and you get to soak in the lights, atmosphere, and evening energy right until the end. After checking in and gifting us with a bag of fruits (some of which we’ve never tried before), a driver drove us and our luggage to the lodge – which is a big plus, considering the cobblestone paths and distance from the gate make walking there with bags quite difficult.
Breakfast isn’t included due to the lack of space, but there is a restaurant near the park entrance that serves an amazing breakfast buffet with a wide variety of options. On checkout, this was the second hotel during this trip to China where they also gave us a thank you gift: a lanyard, postcard, an eye mask, and snack – a nice touch that made it feel like more than just a regular stay.
Park Tickets And Planning Tips
Ticket Types
You can buy tickets online through WeChat by scanning the QR code (depending on the region you’re in) on the official Hengdian site or through Trip.com.
Here are the current options:
- One-Day Tickets: 3 attractions
- Two-Day Tickets: 4 attractions
- Three-Day Tickets: 5 attractions
- Children, Students, Senior Tickets: Discounted pricing across all options
Single-park tickets are also available, but they only make sense if you’re visiting one specific area and don’t plan to park-hop. Otherwise, the combination passes offer much better value, especially if you’re staying for more than a day or want flexibility in your itinerary. Keep in mind that if you stay at a hotel within a park, that visit doesn’t count against your multi-day ticket, so you can stretch your days without paying extra.
Tip: If you switch to the Chinese version of the Hengdian site (translate to English if needed), you can actually book tickets and accommodation together as a package – for example, a 2-day, 1-night or 3-day, 2-night stay. Some packages even include 2 adults and 1 child free. I didn’t see these deals on the English site, so make sure to scan the QR code to view all the details.
Planning Tips
- Buy Tickets Early – If you’re visiting on weekends, national holidays, or festivals, book tickets in advance. Lines can get long, and some dates sell out completely. Combinations passes save money, but they don’t save time – you’ll still need to plan how to move between parks and coordinate schedules.
- Prioritize Parks – Decide in advance which parks are must-sees, especially if your visit is only one or two days. Some areas are walkable from each other, but most are farther apart and require shuttle or taxi transfers.
- Avoid Crowds – Mornings are generally the quietest, especially right at park opening. Afternoons and holidays see large crowds. Early starts let you enjoy popular spots to yourself and offer better photo opportunities.
- Navigation – Use apps or maps to help plan your route. Many travelers recommend the official Hengdian app, WeChat mini programs, or simple GPS mapping to track park entrances, shuttle stops, and walking distances.
- Maximizing Time – If staying inside the studio, you can catch early or late hours in the park for a quieter experience. If staying in the city, plan extra travel time for shuttles or taxis to reach the parks. A well-planned itinerary makes a huge difference in how much you can see.
- Show And Entertainment Planning – Some travelers use travel agents or guides to help them get around or even plan show schedules. At every park, there are multiple shows that you can watch, and I promise you, they’re 100% worth it – the production and quality are extremely high. We have a family friend who managed to watch 18 shows in 3 days because her agent coordinated her days for her perfectly. Even without a guide, checking show times ahead of arrival helps you fit in performances without backtracking.
- Food And Dining – On-site restaurants and cafés cover most basic needs, but lines can get long at peak hours. Carry a small water bottle and light snacks into the park with you if needed (some parks may have food restrictions, just double check or look at signs before bringing in outside items – but out of the 6 parks I went to, there were no issues). Local restaurants outside the park offer authentic Chinese cuisine in the Dongyang region and can be a good break from busy park areas. I did find many of the restaurants offering the same type of food and dishes, and although the menus were large, there isn’t a wide range of variety in the area.
Costume Rental And Photoshoots
One of the highlights of visiting Hengdian World Studios is the ability to rent traditional costumes (hanfu) and step directly into the sets for immersive photos. Costume rental shops are plentiful and conveniently near most major park entrances, so you can grab an outfit and get your hair and makeup done without any extra hassle.
Availability And Pricing
There’s a very wide range of costume options, ranging from traditional Chinese dynasty robes to modern or fantasy-themed outfits. Prices vary depending on the style and quality of the costume, whether or not hair and makeup are included, how many costume changes you might have, how big your crew might be, and how long you’re shooting for. It can range from 50-200 RMB or more, based on the option you choose.
Photo Opportunities
Wearing these costumes transforms your experience visiting Hengdian – you can wander the palace complexes, historical streets, or water towns as if you’ve stepped back in time. Many areas have scenic spots specifically designed for photos, including bridges, courtyards, and throne halls. Early mornings as soon as the park opens, and late afternoons are ideal for photos as the light is soft and crowds are thinner.
Tips For Costumes And Photos
- Bring minimal personal items and keep them in the costume shop’s lockers. Unless you have someone with you who can help carry your stuff, your personal purse or backpack may look out of place and be extra bulk to your costume.
- Respect the set and props – they are designed for immersion, and many are delicate.
- Check if your hotel has partnerships with nearby costume shops; some offer small discounts or reserved time slots.
Here’s my detailed experience of a hanfu photoshoot at Hengdian if you’re interested in one yourself.
Summary Of Parks In Hengdian World Studios
Hengdian World Studios currently features over 10 main parks, each offering its own unique themes, sets, and experiences. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide which parks to prioritize – for reference, I visited the first 6 in the order listed below as a first-timer:
| Park | Theme And Description | Recommended Time |
| Qing Ming Shang He Tu (清明上河图景区) | Inspired by the famous painting titled “Along The River During Qing Ming Festival” and Song Dynasty water towns, it is like stepping into a live fairytale. | 4 to 5 hours or more |
| Dream Valley (梦幻谷景区) | Evokes traditional village streets and rural life with wooden structures, old tone roads, and open-air performance areas make it feel like a living folk town. | 3 to 4 hours |
| Qin Palace (秦皇宮景区) | A recreation of the Qin dynasty’s imperial architecture and you’ll feel the grandeur of ancient China with enormous courtyards, ceremonial halls, and authentic palace walls. | 4 hours |
| New Yuanmingyuan (横店圆明新园景区 [春苑, 夏苑, 秋苑, 冬苑 ] ) | It is composed of the Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter Garden (which is 4 different locations). I visited the Summer Garden and this replica was built at a 1:1 scale and at 84% of the original Old Summer Palace in Beijing. You’ll be taken around the world as it was designed for the Empress Dowager Cixi so she didn’t have to leave China to “visit different countries”. | 4 to 5 hours |
| Palace Of Ming And Qing Dynasties (明清宫苑景区) | This park replicates imperial gardens from the Ming and Qing dynasties with meticulously designed ponds, stone bridges, bonsai-style gardens, and palatial courtyards. | 3 to 4 hours |
| Guangzhou Street + Hong Kong Street (广州街香港街景区) | A recreation of a 20th century urban street with theaters, shops, and early-modern architecture, giving a feel of historical city life. | 3 to 4 hours |
| Dream Bund (梦外滩) | A recreation of early 20th century China, with colonial building lining riverfront streets. It feels like a Shanghai street from the 1920s with cafés, shops, and period-accurate signage. | 2 to 3 hours |
| Ming And Qing Folk Houses (明清民居景区) | A recreation of traditional Chinese residential life from the Ming and Qing dynasties, a setting that reflects everyday life of common people rather than palaces. | 2 to 2.5 hours |
Other Notable Areas
| Mengquan Valley Scenic Area (梦泉谷景区) | This is a large health preservation resort with mountains and hot spring, entertainment, and ecological sightseeing. | 3 to 5 hours |
| Rocky Grottos (梦泉谷景区) | Across from the Ming and Qing Palatial Garden, you’ll need to take a cableway to the top. It is the “First Cave Paradise in Jiangnan” and a place for those practicing Daoism. | 2 to 3 hours |
| Dazhi Buddhist Temple (大智禅寺景区) | Built during the Southern Liang Dynasty over 1,500 years ago during 502-557 AD, it was restored in January 1994. It is also usually used as an acrobatic fighting shoot base. | 2 to 3 hours |
| Defense Technology Park (横店国防科技教育园景区) | Divided into an Exhibition Area and Military Training Area, you will see all kinds of weaponry where they demonstrate China’s military equipment in use over different periods of time. | 2 to 3 hours |
| Chinese Culture Park (华夏文化园景区) | Designed to showcase the depth and diversity of Chinese history, art, and nature, It brings together the cultural essence of China’s 5,000 year heritage in one expansive space. | 2 to 3 hours |
How Many Days Are Needed in Hengdian World Studios?
1 Day – Perfect if you’re short on time – you can hit the highlights and explore 2 key parks, but you’ll need to prioritize and move fast.
2 Days – You’ll get comfortable coverage of several parks, with enough time to enjoy shows, costume rentals, and photo opportunities.
3 Days – Ideal for film enthusiasts or those who want an in-depth experience of multiple parks at a more leisurely pace.
If your goal is to see all the parks, plan for at least 5 days, which may require two sets of three-day tickets. If this is your only visit and don’t plan to return, consider tickets that allow access to all the parks you want so you don’t miss anything important.
My Experience At Hengdian World Studios
I couldn’t find much in-depth information online or any blog post reviews about Hengdian, as this attraction in China is still very local and not foreigner-friendly (but totally doable if you’re determined and/or get a guide). So, I want to share my experience to give you a real sense of what visiting Hengdian is like. I admit I relied heavily on my dad for planning since he’s more familiar with the studio and fluent in Chinese, which made everything much easier. If you’re not fluent, this blog post is designed to help you plan and navigate your way through Hengdian World Studios. Hengdian is an underrated gem with so much to offer, and it has the potential to become a must-visit destination for all kinds of traveler visiting China.
First Day In Hengdian
We visited China the week after a major holiday in October, so by the time we went, Hengdian World Studios was very quiet, which we so appreciated since we had a lot of the park to ourselves most of the time and could take all the photos we wanted without obstruction. We arrived in Dongyang around noon at the Hengdian Railway Station via the high-speed train from Shanghai, which took about 2 hours. Then we took a Didi, which was about a 15-minute drive, to our hotel at the Holiday Inn Express Dongyang Hengdian. Originally, we were going to go to Hangzhou before Hengdian, but because I had a photoshoot, they recommended I go on a weekday, so there are fewer people, hence why we changed the itinerary to accommodate it.
After checking in and settling down (one thing I love about China is that we never had to wait until the check-in time to get our room!), we headed to the first park at Qing Ming Sang He Tu by taking a Didi at around 2 PM. This is where we purchased our 3-day tickets for 5 attractions. The total came to under $200 CAD, and seniors also get a 30% discount. Remember to bring your passport, as it acts as your admission pass for every park you enter.
We spent around 4.5 hours at Qing Ming Shang He Tu and were able to catch two shows during our visit. My first impression was that the park had a very fairytale/anime vibe – the colors were bright and highly saturated, and some of the structures felt intentionally stylized or “fake”. It wasn’t exactly what I expected since I came to China looking for authentic historical architecture, but it’s important to remember that this park is literally based on a famous Song Dynasty painting, so the whimsical design makes sense.
Despite that, I thought it was a really cool experience. The more I walked around the park, the more I got to see that there were sets that gave a more authentic and realistic experience, and the scenery around the giant pond in the middle was beautiful.
My favorite area was the Fairy Land in terms of aesthetics, which fully embraced a dream-like, fantastical world with bright, yet muted colors and playful designs. The shows were beautifully done, even in a relatively small theater, the production quality was impressive, with engaging performances, beautiful costumes, and music and dance that really drew you in. While it’s not “real” history, the park delivers a unique, immersive artistic experience that’s fun and visually striking.
We left around 6 or 6:30 PM and went to grab dinner nearby at one of the many restaurants along the street in front of Dream Valley. It was a long day, and we walked so much already that I wanted to make sure we got enough rest for the next day since we had to get up around 6 AM for breakfast, and head to the costume shop for my photoshoot bright and early.
Second Day In Hengdian
After breakfast, we walked less than 10 minutes from the hotel to the costume shop for my 8 AM appointment. I was the first one there, and since I had chosen my outfit in advance, my dress was already prepared. Hair and makeup took about 45 minutes, as they did both at the same time – the team was fast, professional, and clearly experienced, likely doing this for actors and visitors multiple times a day. By the time I was ready, my photography crew arrived, and we crossed the street to Qin Palace to begin our shoot.
Because we arrived early, we practically had the shooting locations to ourselves. It did start to pour after about 30 minutes, but the rain cleared quickly, and it seemed like they were used to it, so they knew exactly when we should move to the next location. The crew guided us to several spots in the Qin Palace, which gave us a chance to do a little sightseeing along the way. The shoot wrapped up in a couple of hours, and my dad and I stayed in the park to continue exploring, as once you enter, you can’t leave and return without using another ticket from your pass – even though I really wanted to change back to my normal clothes since it was so hot. But staying in costume while wandering the grounds made for even better photos, and it was easy to blend in since so many other visitors were dressed up as well. Note: I will share the professional photos from the shoot in my next blog post!
We spent another 2.5 to 3 hours exploring, including catching a 4D ride. The grounds were stunning, with architecture that felt ancient and authentic – much closer to the experience I had expected from Hengdian. If you haven’t had the chance to visit the real historical sites around China, this park offers a convincing and immersive glimpse into traditional architecture and palace life.
After the Qin Palace, we headed back to the hotel so I could change and remove the very white makeup that was applied for the photoshoot – it was nice to feel a little more like myself again. Then we took a Didi to the New Yuanmingyuan Palace (Summer Palace) – and wow, it truly impressed me. Not only are the grounds enormous, but the architecture was beautifully designed with so much detail in every location. It felt like Disney and Universal on steroids (minus the roller coasters) – pure immersion at every corner. Walking through the grounds, I felt like I had been transported to a different country at each landmark, which is exactly what the park was designed to do.
Unlike Epcot, where you see small-scale landmarks, here you’re walking through full-scale recreations of China’s past, from sprawling gardens to intricately detailed palaces and buildings from around the world – think France, England, Italy, Russia, Japan, and more. It’s the closest thing to traveling across the world in one place.
The real Old Summer Palace was built in the 18th and 19th centuries, under the reigns of emperors of the Qing Dynasty. It was designed to be a stunning imperial retreat and was considered a marvel of architecture and landscaping, combining traditional Chinese gardens with Western-style mansions and other architecture while housing priceless cultural artifacts.
And while China faced both internal rebellions and foreign threats during the late 19th to early 20th century, the use of imperial funds was a major point of controversy as historical accounts suggested that the Empress Dowager Cixi diverted funds intended for military defense to restore and build the Old Summer Palace. However, it was destroyed during the Second Opium War in the 19th century by the forces of British and French troops, making this replica the only place where visitors can experience what it looked like at its peak.
Today, parts of New Yuanmingyuan Palace house a fascinating collection of cultural relics, including pianos, clocks, and an exhibition called “The Story of the Qing Dynasty”, located in Xiayuan Garden. This exhibit features nearly 2,300 rare artifacts, a vast majority of which were purchased over 70 years by a prominent Chinese-Paraguayan family of collectors and their descendants at great expense. These artifacts had been lost overseas for nearly a century and were brought back to China through their efforts. The collection, donated by Su Meng, includes imperial robes, armor, military uniforms, weapons, and theatrical costumes. Highlights also include Western military uniforms and medals from the Eight-Nation Alliance, documenting the invasion of China during the Boxer Rebellion and the destruction of Beijing’s Imperial City and the Old Summer Palace in 1900. This truly had to be the most impressive exhibit (and made sense why it was the only one with air conditioning!).
Finally, in the evening we grabbed dinner and headed into Dream Valley for a very specific show. This was by far the most outstanding and grand performance we saw during our trip in Hengdian. It reminded me of the set in the Indiana Jones stunt show in Orlando, but the product value here was even higher, of course. The water theatrics were jaw-dropping – the stage was completely flooded for several minutes, creating a truly immersive experience. Performers interacted directly with some of the audience (mostly kids to give them a little scare), performing right in front of us during key moments, and by the end, they even invited the audience to join them on stage.
The park itself was fun and entertaining, with the energy and vibe more like Canada’s Wonderland or a Disney-style park, making it a lively way to end the day. You can go on merry-go-rounds, race on go-karts, visit haunted houses, and try a variety of other rides and games. Brightly colored architecture, themed walkways, and playful décor give it a more modern feel as compared to the other parks in Hengdian World Studios.
Third Day In Hengdian
On the third day, we checked out of Holiday Inn and moved to Hengdian World Studios Sakura Lodge in Guangzhou Street. We took a Didi since the hotels are a bit far from each other, but staying within the park was extremely convenient – it essentially gave us a free pass to that park. Since we arrived early in the morning, the area was still quiet, so we checked in, settled down, and then walked across the street to the Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties. My dad thought it was close, but it was a bit misleading – while the palace is right across the street, it’s heavily walled with only a specific entrance. I recommend taking a Didi instead; it costs only a few dollars and saves you a long, non-scenic walk in the heat.
The palace itself was surprisingly quiet, with very few crowds, which made it feel even more authentic and immersive. The grounds are huge (no surprise there), with plenty of walking paths, courtyards, and historical architecture that feels believably old and lived-in, giving you a sense of stepping back in time. We attended 3 shows throughout the day – one offered a guided journey through the history of the different palaces and dynastic life, giving a rich cultural and historical context. Another was interactive, letting the audience participate and showing how filming with green screens is done, which was hilarious to watch in action. And the third – an absolute must-see – was a live horse show with thrilling stunts, full of action, skills I haven’t seen before, and a spectacle that left everyone cheering.
We also stumbled upon an area where a movie or TV show was being filmed, but everything was very hush-hush – someone was keeping a close eye to make sure no photos or videos were taken. But it was still pretty cool to see the production happening behind the scenes, even from a short distance. Overall, we spent about 4 to 5 hours exploring this park, soaking in the history, architecture, and shows. By late afternoon, we headed back to Guangzhou Street and immediately headed to our next show.
As it was closer to 6 PM, the park started to get livelier, and the Wong Fei Hung show (a movie that starred Jet Li) was where we immediately went. It was very well done, with exciting explosions and stunts, plus a funny storyline based on the movie. After the show, we spent some time exploring the streets, which felt smaller and more intimate than the other parks. The area perfectly captured a Hong Kong vibe with its lights, signage, and storefronts.
Staying in a hotel inside the park also comes with the added bonus of free costume rentals, although we didn’t have time to take advantage of it. There were live performances, more modern attractions, and a greater variety of restaurants, which made it feel more vibrant and dynamic. For this area, I’d recommend visiting in the evening, and a couple of hours is usually plenty since the park is smaller than the others we explored.
The next morning, we checked out after having breakfast, and set off for our next stop on this China trip: Hangzhou.
Hengdian World Studios is a truly unique experience in China, blending history, culture, and entertainment in a way you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re planning a trip, check out my other China blog posts for more travel tips, itineraries, and insider guides to make the most of your visit.