11 hrs ago
Hengdian Studios Lets Tourists Star in Dramas for $30
Hengdian World Studios, known as China's 'Hollywood of the East', is offering tourists a unique experience.
For just $30, visitors can become the stars of their own short dramas.
They get to wear fancy costumes, work with professional crews, and act in roles like kings, heroes, or historical figures.
Experienced directors help them through each scene.
This idea came about because more people in China are watching short, fast-paced videos on their phones.
It's a fun way for tourists to not just visit the studio but also be part of a real drama production.
The studio hopes this will bring in more visitors and make their experience even more exciting.
Hengdian World Studios offers tourists the chance to star in short dramas for 200 yuan ($30).
Visitors can choose from roles like ancient royalty, martial arts heroes, or historical figures.
Professional crews and experienced directors assist tourists in the production process.
The studio aims to tap into China's booming micro-drama trend and boost ticket sales.
In 2026, 95% of short dramas were produced using AI, marking a shift in the movie-making business.
- Who
- Tourists at Hengdian World Studios
- What
- Opportunity to star in short dramas for $30
- Where
- Hengdian World Studios, China
- When
- Currently, with a shift in movie-making business in 2025-2026
- Why
- To boost ticket sales, attract visitors, and tap into the micro-drama trend
Key facts
- Studio
- Hengdian World Studios
- Cost
- 200 yuan (US$30) per person
- Duration
- A few hours
- Roles
- Ancient royalty, martial arts heroes, historical figures
- Assistance
- Experienced local directors and professional crews
- Trend
- Booming micro-drama trend in China
- AI Production
- 95% of short dramas produced using AI in Q1 2026
Quotes
A local social-media commenter
A local commenter reacting to Hengdian World Studios’ tourist short-drama service
“I want to play that character who slaps people in their face all day long.”
NDTV
“This is truly a tour in our daydreams.”
NDTV




