Hengdian World Studios enjoys surging popularity in China tourism

China

Hengdian World Studios enjoys surging popularity in China tourism

2025-03-09 14:19 Last Updated At：16:57

Hengdian World Studios, a film and TV theme park in Hengdian of east China's Zhejiang Province, is enjoying surging popularity among international tourists thanks to the booming Chinese film industry.

Dubbed "China's Hollywood", Hengdian is one of the largest real-life film and television shooting bases in the world, and is the filming location for popular films such as war blockbuster "The Battle at Lake Changjin."

To further boost cultural and tourism industries, Hengdian has also introduced immersive experience programs such as being movie extras and performances by movie professionals.

Wearing ancient Chinese costumes and holding related props, Dabira Vianny, a student from Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo, has fully enjoyed his character in a swordsman-themed movie scene at the experience zone of movie extras with his friend.

"I like Chinese movies very much. We've watched Chinese Kung Fu movies and historical movies, and movies starring Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Bruce Lee," said Vianny.

Vianny and his African friend planned a travel route to filming locations for themselves, and visited Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Jinhua to experience Chinese landscapes and historical culture during the trip. They also shared what they saw and heard during the trip with their family and friends through photos and videos.

"They in our home country can see what China is like. If they have the chance, they can come to tour China," he said.

With China's further relaxation and optimization of the transit visa-free policy and growing interest in Chinese films, the number of foreign tourists to the Hengdian World Studios in 2024 increased nearly 10 times year on year, according to related officials.

"As Hengdian has had all the historical scenes of the past 5,000 years in China miniatured, you can see all of the past 5,000 years in just three days in one city. As a demo social media spot for traveling to China, it provides a very concise and effective way for these tourists to plan their in-depth China tours next time," said Guo Shu, head of the international business department of Hengdian World Studios.

Thailand to release detained Cambodian soldiers once peace is restored: official

Thailand will release detained Cambodian soldiers once peace is restored, a Thai official said on Saturday, after the two countries agreed to a ceasefire following days of heavy clashes.

The ceasefire was agreed following intense discussions at General Border Committee (GBC) meetings between Cambodia and Thailand in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province.

Under the agreement, the truce took effect at noon local time and will be monitored by both sides for 72 hours. The Thai government said it reached the agreement after considering the impact of the crisis on the country's economy and international standing.

"Once peace has been restored, civilians can return to their homes safely. Thailand will then release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers," said Thai Defense Minister Gen. Nattaphon Narkphanit at a press conference after the meeting.

Thailand, in turn, expressed hope that Cambodian authorities will allow Thai citizens remaining in Cambodia to return safely.

The coming hours will be a key test of mutual trust. The two countries have agreed to keep communication channels open and work together to combat disinformation, which has complicated negotiations. Thailand also expects Cambodia to assist in clearing landmines in disputed areas.

Thailand said it is watching closely to see whether the ceasefire will be fully implemented, while remaining prepared to defend itself if hostilities resume.

"The ceasefire must be sincerely conducted and maintained. We are going to wait. That is why we have the 72-hour monitoring period in place. If things are not settled within the 72 hours, we will fall back to our protocol of using our right to defend our country," said Thai Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sonjaidee.

Prior to the ceasefire, the situation along the border was tense. During the General Border Committee talks, airstrikes and clashes occurred almost daily, with frontline control shifting frequently, taking a heavy toll on civilians.