How to Visit Hengdian World Studio from Shanghai/Hangzhou

If you're into Chinese costume dramas, love exploring real film sets, and enjoy dressing up for photos, Hengdian World Studios (China's Hollywood) is definitely a must-visit.

How to Get to Hengdian Studio

Hengdian sits close to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Yiwu, so it's super easy to get to. We'd suggest flying or taking a train to one of these cities first, then making your way to Hengdian.

The high-speed railway station is only about 15 minutes from the studios, or you can take the subway directly to Mingqing Palace Station.

From Shanghai to Hengdian

The high-speed train is the best option to reach Hengdian in about 2 hours. More than 20 trains run from Shanghai to Hengdian every day. After arriving, you can take a taxi or the subway to Hengdian World Studios.

From Hangzhou to Hengdian

Hangzhou is a bit closer to Hengdian. It only takes about an hour by bullet train.

For a more comfortable and hassle-free journey, consider booking a private transfer. The drive from Hangzhou takes about 2 hours.

From Yiwu to Hengdian

Yiwu is the closest city to Hengdian. It takes only about 15 minutes by high-speed train. If you're driving, the journey takes around 50 minutes.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Hengdian

There are seven main attractions in Hengdian, and four of them are absolute must-sees (listed below).

The entire studio complex is quite large and offers many engaging activities, particularly for photography lovers.

To fully enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed, we suggest spending two days and one night in Hengdian.

Hengdian World Studios Map

Day 1: Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties + The Guangzhou & Hong Kong Street

The Ming and Qing Palace is located about 800 meters (10 minutes' walk) from Guangzhou & Hong Kong Street, making it easy to visit both on the same day.

As Guangzhou & Hong Kong Street opens in the afternoon, it's best to plan your visit for the afternoon or evening.

Morning: Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties

Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties

The area is quite large — with sightseeing, photo spots, and live performances, you'll need around three hours to explore.

If you'd rather not walk too much, rent an electric scooter.

This whole site is a full-scale replica of Beijing's Forbidden City. It's the best spot for photos in Qing Dynasty-style costumes.

You can also take photos in Qing Dynasty-style costumes like this.

Performances are another highlight here. If you enjoy grand, theatrical shows, don't miss The Imperial Ceremony at Xihua Gate Theater (10 a.m.).

The show: The Imperial Ceremony

Looking for something more thrilling? The Equestrian Battle of the Eight Banners (11 a.m. / 3 p.m.) at Yanwu Field features spectacular horseback stunts.

The show: The Equestrian Battle of the Eight Banners

Or, if you'd like to be part of the show yourself, The Secret Play of the Qing Palace at Huguang Guild Hall (9 a.m. / 1 p.m. / 4 p.m.) is a must.

Tips for shows in Hengdian Studio: Most shows in Hengdian World Studios last about 15–30 minutes, but schedules may change — be sure to check the performance board at the entrance for daily updates.

Afternoon: The Guangzhou & Hong Kong Street

Guangzhou Street & Hong Kong Street

If you're a fan of classic Hong Kong movies, you'll love this area.

The streets recreate the atmosphere of Hong Kong in the 1970s and 1980s, making it a perfect backdrop for qipao photos.

Don't miss the action-packed show at Victoria Harbor at 4 p.m., featuring thrilling water stunts and dramatic gunfight scenes.

The action-packed show

The Guangzhou & Hong Kong Street area isn't very large; about one to two hours is enough to see the highlights.

Day 2: The Qin Palace+The Qingming Shang He Tu Set

The Qin Palace and the Qingming Shang He Tu Set are about 1 km (15 minutes' walk) apart, so it's a good idea to visit both on the same day.

Morning: The Qin Palace

The Qin Palace

The Qin Palace is relatively small, and a typical visit takes around two hours.

It has been used as a filming location for many popular TV dramas, including The Untamed (陈情令), Nirvana in Fire (琅琊榜), and Lost You Forever (长相思). It's also a fantastic place for photos in traditional Hanfu.

Families with children will enjoy the interactive experiences available in the palace.

The highlight is the Imperial Dynasty Ride (帝国江山), similar to Disney's Soaring Over the Horizon. The ride combines rotating seats with large screens to simulate flying. It will let you experience the famous battle scenes from Qin Shi Huang's unification of the Six States.

The Experience of the Imperial Dynasty Ride

Afternoon: The Qingming Shang He Tu Set

Qingming Shang He Tu set

Here, you'll feel as if you've stepped into a Jiangnan water town. It is a perfect backdrop for Hanfu photos.

The area is like a large theme park. You can interact with NPCs to play games and earn rewards, enjoy local snacks, and watch performances.

Playing games with NPCs

The most recommended show is "A Dream of Bianliang". Acrobatics, dance, stunning stage effects, and music combine to bring the bustling life of the Northern Song Dynasty Bianliang vividly to life.

The show of "A Dream of Bianliang"

If You Have One More Day

If you have extra time beyond the four main highlights, you could check out a few more attractions.

New Yuanming Garden recreates the original Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace). It is best to see the classical Chinese garden and the European-style architecture.

It's a large area and takes about three hours to explore.

New Yuanming Garden

The Dream Bund will transport you to old Shanghai in the 1930s and 1940s. The night view is gorgeous, so plan to visit in the afternoon and stay until evening to soak in the lights and atmosphere.

The Dream Bund

How to Get Around Hengdian

Taking a taxi or using Didi is the most convenient way to get around. Whether traveling from the train station to your hotel or between attractions, it's very easy.

Hengdian also has buses, but the wait times can be long (up to 30 minutes), so we don't recommend using them.

With our tours, a private car is always on standby, making your trip smooth and worry-free. No waiting, no hassle—just enjoy Hengdian to the fullest.

Where to Stay in Hengdian

You should plan to stay at least one night in Hengdian. For convenience, we suggest you stay in or near a base.

The unfailingly recommended hotels are:

• Guangzhou Street Film & TV Theme Boutique Hotel: Located in the Guangzhou Street · Hong Kong Street base and based on the classic film and television drama scenes filmed in Hengdian, it shows you the way of life in the 1840s movies.

Guangzhou Street Film & TV Theme Boutique Hotel

• Dream Bund Hotel: Located in Dream Bund Film & TV Theme Park, it features the old Shanghai living style of the 1930s.
• Foison Jewel Grand Hotel: Located near the entrance of the Ming and Qing Folk Residences Exposition Center, it has a simple European style.
• International Trade Hotel: Located in the center of Hengdian World Studios, it is only about a 5-minute drive from the major film bases.
• International Conference Center Hotel: Located in the busy Wansheng Street, it is about 400 meters from Dream Valley.

Hengdian World Studios Ticket Tips

Each attraction at Hengdian World Studios requires an entrance fee. Purchasing a combo ticket is a more economical option, with one-day, two-day, and three-day passes available.

For example, a two-day ticket allows access to any four attractions and costs approximately 20% less than buying individual tickets.

To maximize the value of your ticket, it is recommended to visit no more than two attractions per day, or up to three if evening activities are included.

It might not be easy to arrange your valuable time to see all the bases and shows you want to.

This would not be a problem in a well-designed guided trip. Your experienced guide will help you get where you want to be right on time.

Is Hengdian World Studios Suitable for Traveling with Kids?

Absolutely. Kids can enjoy performances, try local snacks, and take part in fun interactive games with NPCs. You can even dress them up for photos.

Dream Valley is especially kid-friendly, offering water activities, a Ferris wheel, a pirate ship ride, and exciting shows like iron flower and fire-breathing performances.

We recommend visiting in the evening, as the park is open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., which also gives a chance to enjoy the night atmosphere.

Water Parks in the Dream Valley