I spent two magical days at Huayi Brothers Film Town in Changsha, where I found myself transported from China to Italy without ever leaving the country. Walking through cobblestone streets that perfectly recreate Venice's canals and Assisi's medieval charm, I watched live performances that brought classic films to life, dined on Italian-inspired cuisine, and danced under spectacular fireworks. This immersive theme park offers something truly unique—a chance to experience Italian architecture, culture, and entertainment while based in the heart of China.
Trip Overview
When: July 2021 (Summer)
Duration: 2 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~1,000 RMB (~$150 USD)
Transportation: Taxi / Private car to Xiangjiang New District (湘江新区大王山旅游度假区)
Introduction: Italy in the Heart of Changsha
When I first heard about Huayi Brothers Film Town (华谊兄弟电影小镇, Huáyì Xiōngdì Diànyǐng Xiǎozhèn), I was intrigued by the concept—an Italian-themed destination designed by renowned film art directors, located just south of central Changsha along the Xiang River (湘江, Xiāng Jiāng). The park is divided into two main areas: the Venice Water City (水城威尼斯) and Assisi Hill Town (山城阿西西).
Changsha Huayi Brothers Film Town
Walking through the gates, I couldn't believe I was still in China. Every street corner transported me thousands of miles away to Italy. The architecture, the atmosphere, even the light felt different. It was like stepping onto a movie set where I was the star of my own Italian adventure.
🏨 Accommodation
The park offers 8 boutique themed hotels with five-star facilities. I stayed at the Meiji Hotel (美季酒店), which included:
Personal butler service Complimentary shuttle to the park entrance Knowledgeable front desk staff for park information Western-style breakfast options
Pro Tip: Book accommodation inside the park if you want to fully experience the evening shows and night atmosphere.
Day 1: Arrival and Theatrical Immersion
15:00 - Arrival at La Spezia Central Station
My journey began at La Spezia Central Station (拉斯佩齐亚中央火车站, Lāsīpèiqíyà Zhōngyāng Huǒchēzhàn), the park's main entrance inspired by the real port city in Liguria, Italy. This beautiful 80-kilometer port city from northwest Italy serves as the gateway to the famous Cinque Terre. As I walked through the recreated station, I felt the anticipation building.
La Spezia Central Station entrance
After checking in at the hotel, I barely had time to drop my bags before the magic began. At 15:40, I caught the Harry Potter Magic Show right at the station—a whimsical performance that set the tone for the entire visit.
Harry Potter magic performance at the station
16:00 - Dance Performances and Theater
The "Ciao Friend" welcome dance at the Starlight Stage had me tapping my feet and smiling. There's something infectious about performers who genuinely love what they do. At 16:15, I watched "The Clingy Woman" (撒娇女人最好命) theater performance at the Assisi City Gate Square Rest Area—a hilarious and touching show that kept the audience engaged.
By 16:45, I found myself at Three Lions Square (三狮广场) for the "Romeo and Juliet" performance. Watching the classic tale unfold in this Italian-inspired setting felt incredibly authentic.
17:30 - Castle Performances and Water Battles
The highlight of my afternoon was at St. Francis Castle (圣弗朗西斯科城堡), where I watched both "Destined" (命中注定) theater and an incredible magic show "The Great Magician" (大魔术师). The castle's architecture provided a stunning backdrop for these performances.
Then came the unexpected joy—the Water Gun Battle (水枪大战) interactive experience at 17:55! I hadn't planned on getting soaked, but when the music started and the water began flying, I couldn't resist joining in. Laughing with strangers-turned-friends, we battled the summer heat together.
18:00 - Spartan Pillow Fight
Just when I thought the excitement was over, I discovered the Spartan Pillow Fight (斯巴达枕头大战) at St. Paul's Stone Cottage Rest Area. There's something wonderfully absurd about adults having a massive pillow fight, and I left breathless from laughter.
19:30 - Evening Spectacles
After a delicious dinner at the Sicily Riverside Inn (西西里河畔旅馆), the night truly came alive. At 19:30, I watched "The Assassin" (刺客) theater at Three Lions Square—a dramatic performance that kept me on the edge of my seat.
But the real magic began at 19:55. The Starlight Avenue light show transformed the entire park into a wonderland of color and light. The parade that followed had everyone dancing in the streets, and when the castle fireworks (城堡烟花秀) exploded overhead, I felt genuine awe. The M78 Electronic Music Festival and Starry Sky Beer Night Market capped off an unforgettable evening.
🎯 Day 1 Schedule
15:00 - Arrive & check-in 15:40 - Harry Potter Magic Show 16:00 - "Ciao Friend" welcome dance 16:15 - "The Clingy Woman" theater 16:45 - "Romeo and Juliet" performance 17:30 - Castle performances 17:55 - Water Gun Battle 18:00 - Spartan Pillow Fight 18:10-19:30 - Dinner 19:30-21:30 - Evening shows & fireworks
Day 2: Exploration and Hands-On Fun
08:00 - Western Breakfast and Morning Stroll
I woke up to a beautiful morning and headed to the hotel's breakfast. The Western-style breakfast (西式早餐, Xīshì Zǎocān) was a delightful change from typical Chinese hotel breakfasts—simple yet elegant dishes that energized me for the day ahead. Fresh pastries, fruits, and perfectly brewed coffee set the tone.
Elegant Western-style breakfast
From 08:00 to 09:30, I wandered the park with my camera, capturing the morning light as it hit the Italian architecture. Without the crowds, I could appreciate the details—the way the shadows fell on the cobblestones, the morning mist over the Venice canals, the quiet beauty before the day's excitement began.
09:30 - Attractions and Interactive Experiences
The morning was dedicated to exploring the park's many attractions. I started with the Horror Mansion (恐怖公馆), a spine-tingling experience that had me jumping at shadows. Then I visited the Film Workshop (电影工坊) to learn about movie-making magic.
Roaming Italy (漫游意大利) was a peaceful journey through the country's most famous landmarks, while Decoding Da Vinci (解密达芬奇) challenged my puzzle-solving skills. I even tried my hand at pottery in one of the workshops—there's something meditative about working with clay.
🎨 Pottery Workshop Tips
Remove valuables (watches, bracelets, rings) before starting Keep nails short for easier manipulation Avoid skirts—they can be awkward when working at the wheel Ask the instructor for aprons, sleeves, and shoe covers Finished pieces take 1-2 weeks to fire—plan accordingly for gifts Important: Don't touch others' un-fired work—it can collapse!
Other highlights included the Ice and Snow World (冰雪世界), a refreshing escape from the summer heat, and an adrenaline-pumping session of real-life CS (真人CS). I also explored the Van Gogh experience—standing inside those swirling starry night paintings was surreal.
12:00 - Farewell Lunch
By noon, my friends and I enjoyed a leisurely lunch, reminiscing about the experiences we'd shared. We checked out of the hotel with full hearts and memory cards, already planning our return.
Photography and Travel Tips
One thing I appreciated about this trip was how photography-friendly the entire park is. Every corner offers a perfect backdrop for photos. Here's what I packed:
📷 Photography Gear
Camera: Canon 5D Mark III Lenses: Sigma DP1Q, Sigma DP3Q Drone: DJI Mini 2 (great for aerial shots of the Venice canals) Action Cam: DJI Action Camera Stabilizer: Hohem iSteadyPro 3 Accessories: Multiple batteries, memory cards, card reader, power bank, headphones
Note: Drone usage should follow local regulations and park policies.
What to Bring
Beyond photography gear, make sure to pack:
Phone charger and power adapter (if needed) Power bank with cable Multi-function power strip (useful in hotel rooms) Water bottle (stay hydrated during summer visits) Comfortable walking shoes Light change of clothes (you might get wet in the water activities!)
Getting to the park
Quick Reference Guide
📍 Location & Getting There
Address: 华谊兄弟(长沙)电影小镇, Xiangjiang New District, Dawang Mountain Tourism Resort (湘江新区大王山旅游度假区), Changsha
Best Transportation: Taxi or private car from central Changsha (approximately 30-40 minutes)
Chinese Address for Taxi: 长沙华谊兄弟电影小镇
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Season: Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October) for mild weather Summer: Bring sunscreen and water—the water activities are perfect for cooling off! Timing: Arrive by 15:00 to catch the afternoon shows; stay for evening fireworks
🎫 Tickets & Budget
Entry Fee: Check official website for current prices (varies by season) Hotel: ~500-800 RMB/night for themed accommodations Food: Western and Italian-inspired restaurants inside the park Total Budget: ~1,000 RMB/person for 2 days (including accommodation)
💡 Pro Tips
Download the park map app to track show times Book hotels inside the park for the full immersive experience Bring a change of clothes for water activities The evening light show and fireworks are not to be missed Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds Many performances are in Chinese but visually engaging for all
Final Thoughts
My two days at Huayi Brothers Film Town exceeded every expectation. What started as a simple weekend getaway became an immersive journey into Italian culture, cinema, and pure joy. The attention to detail in the architecture, the passion of the performers, and the variety of experiences—from theatrical performances to pottery workshops—created memories I'll treasure forever.
If you're looking for something different in Changsha, something that combines culture, entertainment, photography, and genuine fun, this is it. Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or solo, the film town offers experiences for everyone. I left with a full camera, a happy heart, and a strong desire to return.
Buon viaggio! (Have a good trip!)