Hengdian Town, renowned as the Orient Hollywood and located in Zhejiang Province, boasts the largest film set in the world. It is the birthplace of tens of thousands of films and TV shows produced in China and abroad.
A significant aspect of Hengdian Town is \"Hengpiao\" (Hengdian Drifters), a term that captures the spirit of thousands who journey here each year to chase their dreams of becoming actors and actresses. However, the industry is notoriously competitive, with the saying: \"many who want it but few who make it.\"
Undeterred by the challenges, people continue to flock to Hengdian in pursuit of their aspirations. This momentum persisted until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, profoundly affecting the film industry.
With the outbreak, nearly all studios in Hengdian halted production, leading to an immediate loss of income for the Hengpiao. As filming came to a standstill, many of these aspiring actors had to adapt by taking up roles as delivery drivers – a relatively stable job that helped support them while keeping their dreams alive.
Despite the hardships brought by the pandemic, the Hengpiao have remained resilient, maintaining their ambition and hope. They continue to look forward to the day when they can return to the sets, stand on stage, and shine in their chosen careers.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
