Tourists in China Can Star in Their Own Historical Dramas
Anyone in China can experience life as an emperor, court lady or hero of a historical drama. A new form of entertainment is gaining popularity: tourists visit film studios to create their own movies. Everything is authentic, from costumes and makeup to professional film crews. The videos never make it to the big screen, but remain as souvenirs. This turns an ordinary sightseeing trip into a real cinematic adventure, reports 24KZ.
These tourists have come not to appear in an actual TV series, but to create their own historical drama. Dressed in silk robes and jade jewelry, and after several takes, they become the heroines of a Chinese historical saga. The friends travelled more than 1,500 kilometres to enjoy the experience.
The film set features replicas of famous historical palaces, including Beijing’s Forbidden City. Thousands of Chinese films and television series have been shot at the studio. Now visitors are offered the chance to step in front of the camera themselves.
More than 20 scripts are available, ranging from palace intrigue to romantic stories. A 30-minute filming session costs from 218 yuan, or approximately 15,000 tenge. Costumes and makeup are available for an additional fee. Participants receive their finished 90-second film within three days.
Claire Huang, Tourist:
- When I was a child, I loved playing director and making other children act out scenes. I really enjoyed it. Now I can have fun with my friends and experience it myself.
The service was launched in August and has since attracted more than 2,000 customers. On weekends and public holidays, almost all slots are booked. According to the organizers, such productions were previously mainly arranged for large groups. Now individual tourists, couples and small groups can also make their own mini-films. The popularity of this new format reflects changing consumer habits in China. Experiences and emotions are becoming increasingly important, while spending on material goods is taking a back seat.
Surnamed Se, Tourist and Blogger:
- This meets a certain need. People want to dress up, express themselves more boldly and show themselves in the best light. I think it’s great.
Film studios are thus becoming tourist attractions, giving ordinary travellers the chance to become stars of their own movies, even if only for a short time.
Author: Bekbolat Turmakhanov
