In the city of Hangzhou, tourists can now become actors in short dramatic shoots by visiting Hengdian World Studios, known as the 'Hollywood of China'. For instance, Wang, a retired teacher from Shanghai, recently played the emperor's mother on palace sets at this studio.
Wang shared her impressions, saying she never imagined having the opportunity to act and managed to get her 'dose of drama'. She noted that she rehearsed her lines three times, and the director commented on her 'genuine authoritative look'.
This experience has become part of a tourist phenomenon observed during national holidays, such as National Day from October 1st to 7th. Tourists willing to pay to participate in short dramas have become a common sight in Hengdian, Zhejiang province, in eastern China. Hengdian has transformed visitors from spectators into active participants, seeking to attract guests in new ways.
Thanks to this direction, Hengdian welcomed over 9 million visitors in the first half of this year, which is 21.2% more than last year. During peak hours, more than one hundred people were registered daily to participate in the short dramatic experience. During holidays, enhanced short drama shoots and themed events designed for different categories of guests were launched.
To join more than ten film crews, it is enough to purchase an entrance ticket. Directors provide scripts and conduct express training for participants, allowing guests to complete a scene in 10–45 minutes. For more professional participation, full production resources are available, including costumes, makeup, lighting, and set design, as well as the opportunity to film alongside experienced actors.
Ma Qianyi, an employee of Hengdian Micro Film, reported that their team of over 30 people works around the clock. They carry out more than a dozen shoots per day and often bring in external teams for costumes, makeup, and camera operators.
According to Ma, after selecting costumes, reading the script, the shoot itself, and post-production, the finished video appears within two days. Director Zhang Jinkuan believes that the best way to turn cinema from something watched into something felt is to let tourists become actors.
Zhang noted that the most popular genres are dramas about imperial palaces, fantasy about the 'dragon king', and time travel stories. A specialized screenwriter constantly updates the scripts to match audience tastes. Guests can choose from over 40 scripts. The cost of a single short drama starts from 218 yuan (approximately 535 riyals), while a full package with professional makeup and styling costs 388 yuan.
When staying overnight, the role-playing continues deep into the night, extending the immersion beyond the set. At the Rossyli hotel in Hengdian, check-in marks the beginning of production, and check-out marks its end. Guests can even exchange earned 'film fees' for bonuses, such as a personal call.
Hengdian is not alone in this trend. Across the country, scenic spots are transforming landscapes into interactive scenes. The ancient city of Zhushan in the southwestern province of Guizhou offers historical drama shoots against nostalgic backdrops, while the 'Longest Day in Chang'an' cultural complex in the northwestern province of Shaanxi allows visitors to step back into the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD).
According to industry analysts, this phenomenon indicates a broader shift: tourists are willing to pay for emotional experience and complete immersion. As noted in a report by the analytical firm Meadin Research Institute, tourists are no longer satisfied with trips that merely involve moving from one place to another; they want a journey that connects them with culture, allows them to express themselves, or offers something new.
This is precisely what Hengdian is betting on. By leveraging its film production expertise, it has broken down the process into reproducible modules so that tourists can star in their own short dramas. Staff is ready to help solo visitors embody a character, ensuring that no one feels awkward on set.