Tourists Flock to 'China's Hollywood' for Immersive Acting Experiences

Hengdian World Studios, often referred to as 'China's Hollywood,' has become a viral tourism destination by allowing visitors to step into the roles of historical figures. For a starting price of approximately 388 yuan (about 1,900 Thai baht), tourists can participate in a fully produced acting experience. The package includes professional makeup, hair styling, authentic period costumes, and the guidance of a film crew and director. Participants can film scenes in elaborate sets, such as a replica of the Forbidden City or historic Shanghai streets, and receive a finished video of their performance to share on social media. The trend has attracted groups of friends who travel long distances to create their own cinematic memories. While the experience is designed to be fun and accessible, it highlights a growing demand for interactive, high-production-value tourism. Travelers interested in this experience should note that booking queues are currently reported to be very busy. It remains to be confirmed whether the studio plans to expand these packages to accommodate the high demand or if they will introduce new themes beyond the current period drama offerings.