Ming & Qing Palaces Scenic Area

Ming & Qing Palaces Scenic Area

Dongyang Hengdian Ming & Qing Palaces This massive scenic area, integrating functions such as film and television production, tourism, and festival ceremonies, was established in 1998. Covering an area of 1,500 acres, it is currently the largest film base in Hengdian World Studios.

The Ming & Qing Palaces were built as a 1:1 replica of the “Forbidden City,” drawing on the palace architecture techniques of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Utilizing the unique construction methods of film studios, it also emulates the ritual systems of the Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties, while incorporating architectural styles from the Republic of China period. The site brings together four major types of structures: imperial palaces, royal gardens, princely mansions and government offices, as well as hutong residences. It authentically recreates the official buildings, civilian homes, shops, and palace complexes of Yanjing across multiple historical periods. The area features many historic landscapes, including Chessboard Street, Chengtianmen Square, the Thousand-Pace Corridor, the Civil and Military Platforms, the Golden Water River, and the Jade Belt Bridge. With its resplendent imperial palaces, naturally formed garden lakes, magnificent dragon and phoenix eaves, and grand palace squares, it has become a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to explore the depths of ancient palaces, trace history, and admire the ancient capital’s grandeur.

Since its opening, the Ming & Qing Palaces have attracted visitors and film crews from all over China with their ingenious design, grand artistic architecture, and profound cultural heritage. Over a hundred major film and television productions have been shot here, including “A Chinese Odyssey,” “Curse of the Golden Flower,” “War and Beauty,” and “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.” In today’s era of booming palace dramas, the Ming & Qing Palaces have become a hotspot for production crews. Dramas such as “Palace Lock: Heart of Jade,” “Empresses in the Palace,” “Story of Yanxi Palace,” and “Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace” have all been filmed here, making it one of the busiest hubs for ancient palace drama shoots. Source: Jinhua Government Website