The Ming-Qing Palace Scenic Area is one of the more classic scenic spots in Hengdian World Studios. This large scenic area that integrates functions such as film and television shooting and tourism is built on a 1:1 scale according to the Forbidden City in Beijing. It is currently a relatively large film and television shooting base in Hengdian. More than a hundred film blockbusters such as ‘The Chinese Odyssey’, ‘Curse of the Golden Flower’, and ‘Royal Tramp’ have been filmed here.
Nowadays, with palace dramas being very popular, the Ming-Qing Palace Scenic Area has attracted many production crews. Hit dramas such as ‘Palace’, ‘Empresses in the Palace’, ‘War and Beauty’, and ‘Palace Lock Heart Jade’ have all been filmed here. Stars like Chow Yun-fat, Gong Li, Huang Xiaoming, and Sun Li have all left their marks here. Basically, there are production crews filming here every day. Therefore, while visiting here, you might even run into a big star. The Ming-Qing Palace Scenic Area refers to the palace architecture techniques of the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the unique construction style of film and television cities, it imitates the rituals of the Tang, Song, Yuan and other periods, and also incorporates the architectural style of the Republic of China era. It brings together four major architectural series including capital palaces, imperial gardens, princely mansions and yamen, and alleyway residences. It truly reproduces the official residences, street shops and palace features of Yanjing in multiple historical periods. Due to the large size of the scenic area, if there are elderly people and children coming together, it is recommended to take an electric car at the entrance of the scenic area to visit various scenic spots. Young people can rent bicycles. In addition, it is recommended to visit here in spring and autumn. If you come in summer, there is basically no shade on the walking routes here, and it is very hot. Of course, before coming here to play, it is recommended to review several classic films first, which may give you a different feeling. The layout of the Ming-Qing Palace Scenic Area is mainly composed of Daming Gate, Chengtian Gate, Meridian Gate, and then directly to Taihe Gate and Qianqing Gate. Qianqing Palace is the end of the central axis. The main buildings include Taihe Palace, Qianqingmen Square, Qianqing Palace, Kunning Palace, Shufangzhai, Yangxin Palace, Military Aircraft Department, and the six palaces on the west side. Although it is a clone, the momentum is just as magnificent. On both sides of the central axis is another world. Old Beijing gray brick houses are transplanted, and there are barbicans, overpasses, and the Eight Great Hutongs. Many scenes that have disappeared in Beijing are reproduced here. Every step you take here will remind you of scenes in film and television dramas. For example, when ‘Curse of the Golden Flower’ was filmed, the Taihe Palace Square was covered with chrysanthemums. When ‘War and Beauty’ was filmed, there were scenes of concubines scheming against each other in Qianqing Palace, Kunning Palace, and the six palaces on the west side. Back then, a ‘Princess Huanzhu’ made the name Shufangzhai imprinted in people’s minds. In fact, it is unknown whether there is really a palace called Shufangzhai in the imperial palace. In addition, there is a place to rent costumes and take pictures in Taihe Palace. Tourists can put on costumes and hold props here, and take pictures in front of their favorite scenes to commemorate and be a star for a while.In addition to the historical ambiance, this scenic area also offers exciting performances every day. The grand film stage play ‘Forbidden City Grand Ceremony’ is performed daily at the Xihua Gate Theater, which is based on historical events from the Ming, Qing dynasties, and the founding period of the nation. It showcases three grand ceremonies through song and dance, reflecting the historical changes of the Forbidden City and the rise and fall of dynasties. Equestrian enthusiasts can watch the ‘Banner Horse Battle’ at the martial field, which displays solemn royal ceremonies, superb horsemanship, and thrilling horse battles. Visitors can also ride horses for photos on the square.
The Huguang Guild Hall performs the ‘Secret Play of the Qing Palace’ daily, which mainly tells the story of Wei Xiaobao and Princess Jianning’s daring adventure into Ao Bai’s mansion to steal the Forty-Two Chapters Sutra. If you have time, you can also visit the Manchu-Han Full Banquet Hall opposite the Huguang Guild Hall, where dishes used by the emperor are displayed.
The scenic area is open all year round from 08:30 to 16:30. Special policies include discounts for the elderly: men born before 1964 (inclusive), women born before 1969 (inclusive), with ID cards or senior citizen cards, 30% off; students: full-time primary, middle, and high school students with ID cards, 20% off; military personnel: veterans with ‘Non-Commissioned Officer Discharge Certificate’ or ‘Conscript Discharge Certificate’ can enjoy 20% off at the ticket window; active-duty military personnel with valid related documents, free entry; disabled people: with valid disability certificates, half price; teachers: with county-level or above education bureau-issued teacher qualification certificates and ID cards, 20% off; minors: 14 years old (inclusive) – 18 years old (exclusive), with valid ID cards, 20% off; children: children aged 7 years old (inclusive) or born after 2017, or with a height of 1.
Additional notes: Parent-child tickets are available, and only one child per adult is allowed regardless of whether the child meets the ticket purchase criteria (e.g., 1 adult + 1 child (1.2-1.5 meters) + 1 child (under 1.2 meters); any more than this is considered exceeding the parent-child limit, and only 1 child is allowed. Non-parent-child: only one child per adult is allowed.
Map of the Scenic Area: A guide map is provided at the entrance of the scenic area. Transportation within the scenic area: The reference price is subject to the actual situation at the site. Address: The entrance has restrooms: There are multiple restrooms inside the garden, with clear signs within the scenic area. Convenience Store: There is a convenience store set up inside the scenic area.
