Dubbed "Oriental Hollywood" and situated on the outskirts of Hengdian, a township of Dongyang city in East China's Zhejiang Province, it has become a favourite rendevous for tourists and since its inception, in March 2000, this state-of-the-art film and television studio has welcomed many famous film actors and directors.
The group, greeted by Susan of Susan's Travel and Culture Consulting Company, were in good spirits as they set off from the Shanghai Stadium.
After a hotel lunch near a pleasant garden, they were over-awed by the spectacle of the Palace of the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) and the enactment of an ancient legend by many actors.
Lined by soldiers, the walls provided a fitting backdrop as the drama unfolded.
Despite torrential rain, fire-eaters performed extraordinary tricks before the excellent evening meal, which was followed by a concert given by traditionally-costumed dancers from Southwest China's Yunnan Province.
After a long and eventful day, the group was glad to retire to their comfortable rooms at the International Trade Hotel, Hengdian.
Sunday was fine and sunny and further visits were made to typical model streets of Hong Kong and South China's Guangzhou.
After a good lunch, we were rested and ready to continue sightseeing. Next, the studio sets of the Ming Dynasty Palaces. The lofty Mount Pingyan providing a scenic backdrop to the Jiangnan (South Yangtze River) Waterside Towns Scenic Area.
After a closing ceremony hosted by Remy Silver, the group returned by bus to Shanghai.
Susan was thanked profusely for her excellent organization of visits, choice of hotel and restaurants.
All agreed that it had been a trip to remember.
( Shanghai Star September 19, 2002)
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