News & Events
In 1996, director Xie Jin brought The Opium War to Hengdian, beginning a story that would transform a town in Zhejiang into a major centre of Chinese film and television production.
Thirty years later, Hengdian is preparing to celebrate that journey—and the possibilities ahead.
Taking place from October 23 to 28 in Hengdian, Zhejiang, the 2026 Hengdian Film & TV Festival will bring together filmmakers, industry professionals, emerging performers and visitors for six days of awards, industry exchange and immersive entertainment.
This year’s festival also marks the 30th anniversary of Hengdian World Studios, connecting three decades of screen history with a new generation of storytellers.
Celebrating the People Behind the Stories
From physical sets to virtual production, Hengdian has grown alongside the changing craft of filmmaking. Its studios, streets and palaces have become workplaces for generations of actors, directors and production crews.
On October 24, the 12th Wenrong Awards (第十二届“文荣奖”) will take place at the Qin Palace, celebrating achievement across film and television with a particular commitment to recognising emerging talent.
Actors from different generations will be invited to share their Hengdian stories, bringing a personal perspective to the town’s anniversary.
The ceremony will also introduce Hengdian World Studios’ new brand proposition, “Imagine the Many Possibilities of Life” (给人生多重想象), inviting more people to discover new roles and experiences through film, creativity and travel.
Where Films Meet New Opportunities
Industry exchange remains central to the festival.
The China (Hengdian) International Film Trade Fair and the 30th National Film Promotion Conference will showcase films for the 2026 year-end cinema season and key releases planned for 2027.
The event will connect filmmakers, distributors, cinema exhibitors and international partners, creating opportunities for new collaborations and conversations about bringing films to wider audiences.
Alongside the film programme, industry conferences and creative discussions will explore production design, AI applications and the evolving relationship between culture and technology.
A film presentation at the 2025 Hengdian Film & TV Festival.
New Screens, New Talent
Micro-dramas are opening new paths for performers and creators, and this year’s festival will highlight the sector’s next stage of development.
The 2026 Micro-Drama Industry Advancement “Shining” Initiative (2026微短剧产业升级shining计划) will bring together original scripts, talent discovery, industry discussions and showcases, with a focus on stronger storytelling and production quality.
The programme includes a screenwriting competition and “Step into the Spotlight” (《主角请登场》), a livestreamed audition project designed to discover emerging actors.
Student short film awards and an international university student dubbing competition will also give young creators opportunities to share their work and connect with the industry.
Performers gather on stage at the 2025 Hengdian Short Drama Night.
Step Inside the Story
In Hengdian, storytelling extends beyond the screen.
Through live character encounters, scenic-area parades and interactive performances, visitors can become part of the worlds around them.
The festival’s “Hengdian: A Night Inside the Story” (横店入戏之夜) programme will bring this spirit to life through participatory events and immersive entertainment. Activities on October 26 will celebrate public creativity and performance, while the EGA Immersive Entertainment Summit, scheduled for October 27–28, will bring practitioners together to discuss the sector’s future.
It is a chance to experience another side of Hengdian: a place where the distance between audience and performer becomes a little smaller.
Six Days, Thirty Years of Inspiration
The 2026 festival brings together the many sides of Hengdian—its filmmaking heritage, production community, emerging talent and visitor experiences.
For industry professionals, it offers opportunities to exchange ideas and build connections. For film and drama fans, it offers a closer look at the place where stories take shape.
The 2026 festival programme, from industry gatherings and awards to immersive entertainment.
Discover the next chapter in Hengdian, October 23–28, 2026.
For festival enquiries and visit planning, contact the Hengdian FTS team.
Event access and participation arrangements are subject to the organisers’ announcements.