Hengdian, a distinctive town located in Dongyang, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, has written a legendary transformation—from a once-remote and impoverished area to the “Hollywood of the East”—across its 121 square kilometers. It is not only the world’s largest live-action film and television production base, but also a vibrant town that integrates film, tourism, industry, and culture, and a fertile ground where countless people pursue their dreams of light and shadow.
Film and television are Hengdian’s most defining identity. In 1996, the construction of its first live-action set to support the filming of The Opium War marked the beginning of Hengdian’s deep bond with the screen industry. Today, the town has built more than 30 large-scale filming bases spanning over 5,000 years of Chinese history—including the Ming and Qing Palaces, the Qin Palace, and Along the River During the Qingming Festival—along with more than 130 professional studios. It has hosted over 4,000 domestic and international production crews and contributed to more than 80,000 film and television works (episodes). In China, two out of every three screen productions bear the imprint of Hengdian.
By offering filming locations free of charge to production crews, Hengdian has fostered a complete film and television industry chain—from planning and shooting to production and distribution. As the country’s first national-level experimental zone for the film and television industry, it has drawn international media comparisons to Hollywood itself.
Morning:
Arrive in Hengdian, check in at the hotel, and organize your luggage.
Afternoon:
Free time to rest and relax. Get familiar with the hotel and its surroundings, and recharge for the days ahead.
Evening:
Head to Wansheng South Street, the main commercial hub of Hengdian. Lined with local restaurants, street food stalls, and creative shops, it’s a great place to sample local specialties such as Dongyang Womian (handmade noodles), Nanma meat pies, and Hengdian roast chicken, while soaking in the lively, down-to-earth atmosphere of the town.
Morning:
Enjoy an in-depth visit to the Ming & Qing Palace Scenic Area for about 4 hours. In addition to exploring the main imperial buildings, you can visit famous film shooting locations and learn behind-the-scenes stories from movies and TV dramas. Watch live performances such as Eight Banners War Horses and the Flower Parade, and rent traditional costumes for a palace-style photoshoot, fully immersing yourself in imperial court culture.
Afternoon:
Travel to Dazhi Zen Temple for a visit of about 2 hours. Set in a serene and peaceful environment away from the crowds, it’s an ideal place for quiet reflection and worship. Visit the Heavenly Kings Hall and the Mahavira Hall, experience the calm of Zen culture, and relax both body and mind.
Evening:
Return to the hotel to rest, or take a gentle walk around the nearby area to ease the day’s fatigue.
Morning:
Enjoy an in-depth visit to the Qin Palace for about 3 hours. Experience signature attractions such as Dragon Emperor Awakens, Empire of Glory, and Dreaming Back to Qin & Han. Watch live shows including Heroes’ Sword Duel and the Qin–Han Wedding, and take part in interactive film-role experiences to get a closer look at how movie and TV scenes are created.
Afternoon:
Head to Pingyan Cave Scenic Area for around 3 hours. Take the cable car up to enjoy panoramic views over Hengdian. Known for its Danxia landforms and Taoist cultural elements, the area offers a refreshing mountain hike where you can breathe in fresh air, enjoy the healing power of nature, and explore various Taoist cultural sites along the way.
Evening:
Return to the hotel to rest and recover from the day’s hiking activities.
Morning:
Enjoy an in-depth visit to the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival for about 3 hours. Stroll through Song-style streets and lanes, watch performances such as A Dream of Bianliang and Dragon & Phoenix in Play, and take part in hands-on cultural activities like movable-type printing and sugar painting. Experience the charm of traditional culture—especially suitable for family and parent–child interaction.
Afternoon:
Head to Yuanming New Garden (Spring Garden) for a visit of around 4 hours. Explore faithful recreations of classic scenes from the Old Summer Palace, admire the exquisite garden landscapes, and experience the grandeur of the once-renowned “Garden of Gardens.”
Evening:
Enjoy the night tour of the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival. With dazzling lights and a vibrant atmosphere, watch the immersive live performance Strange Tales: A Dream Awakens, and feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to the lively night markets of Northern Song–era Bianjing.
Morning:
Enjoy an in-depth visit to Guangzhou Street & Hong Kong Street for about 3 hours. Watch live shows such as Battle on the Furious Sea and Legend of Feihong, and take part in interactive Republican-era themed games. With a strong sense of immersion, you’ll experience the unique atmosphere of the Republican period up close.
Afternoon:
Head to the Dream Bund Film & TV Experience Resort for around 4 hours. Ride the vintage tram, enjoy attractions like Comic Western Farce and Flying Carpet Thriller, and explore retro-style shops. The area perfectly recreates the look and feel of old Shanghai, making it ideal for nostalgic photo stops.
Evening:
Enter Dream Valley for an immersive night tour. Watch the upgraded performance of Dream Taiji and enjoy the spectacular fireworks show. Highly visual and atmospheric, the fireworks add a memorable highlight to the night-time experience.
Morning:
Head to Dream Spring Valley Hot Spring Resort for around 4 hours. Enjoy more than 70特色 hot spring pools, including the breathtaking One-Line Sky Pool and infinity-style pools with stunning views. Soak in mineral-rich springs for wellness and relaxation, easing both body and mind after days of travel.
Afternoon:
Visit Chunqiu Tang Garden for about 3 hours. This lesser-known film shooting location is relatively quiet, making it ideal for exploring Tang-dynasty architectural styles, taking elegant costume photos, and learning about behind-the-scenes stories of film and TV productions.
Evening:
Return to the hotel to rest, or enjoy a hotel spa treatment for deeper relaxation and rejuvenation.
Morning:
Visit Yuanming New Garden (Summer Garden) for about 3 hours. The park features a distinctive blend of European-style architecture and traditional Chinese garden elements, making it highly photogenic. The lighting in the late afternoon and early evening is especially beautiful, so the visiting time can be adjusted flexibly according to your schedule.
Afternoon:
Pack your luggage and head to specialty shops along Wansheng South Street to purchase local Hengdian souvenirs, such as Dongyang wood carvings and Hengdian cured meats. Afterward, depart according to your transportation arrangements.
