Bailuyuan Film and Television City
Bailuyuan Film and Television City, located in Lantian County, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, is a 4A-rated cultural tourism destination built on the setting of Chen Zhongshi’s novel White Deer Plain. Spanning 700,000 square meters, it recreates the architectural and lifestyle aesthetics of Guanzhong’s traditional villages, serving as both a film production base and a living museum of northwest Chinese heritage. The site features over 300 restored courtyard homes, ancestral halls, and market streets, with highlights including the Zhihe Ancient County and Bailu Village—key filming locations for the 2017 TV adaptation of White Deer Plain. Designated a national cultural industry demonstration base in 2024, it integrates film tourism, cultural education, and immersive performances.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 2013 to preserve the cultural essence of White Deer Plain, a novel depicting rural life in early 20th-century Shaanxi. The site gained prominence through films like The Sacrifice (2020) and Mao Zedong (2013), utilizing its authentic Guanzhong architecture. In 2025, it was recognized as a provincial film and television shooting base, hosting over 15 major productions annually. Key events include the 2025 New Year’s Eve Ice and Snow Carnival, which attracted 50,000 visitors with non-fire performances and light shows.
Structural Layout
The city is divided into six functional zones:
- Film Production Zone: Includes 12 professional studios and outdoor sets like the Ancient Zhihe County Courthouse.
- Cultural Experience Zone: Features the Bailu Village with its ancestral hall, old cars, and 3D earthquake simulation.
- Performance Arena: Hosts large-scale shows like Erhu Shou Chang’an (a reenactment of a 1926 siege) and Magic Princess (a family-friendly magic show).
- Technology Park: Includes 360° flight simulators and the Sound Art Museum.
- Night tour Zone: Offers the Night Talk of Bailu Plain light show and themed Lantern Festival.
- Leisure Area: Comprises a 25,000㎡ Ski Resort and children’s playgrounds.
Major Attractions
- Erhu Shou Chang’an: Outdoor real-scene drama with explosions and horseback stunts, performed three times daily.
- Night Talk of Bailu Plain: A 45-minute light show using drone projections and water screens.
- Zhihe Ancient County: A replica of a 1930s county seat with shops selling handmade noodles and clay figurines.
- Ski Resort: Offers skiing, snow tubing, and a 150m-long snow sled run.
- Fire Performance Square: Daily shows featuring molten iron splashing and fire-breathing.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Half-Day (3–4 hours):
Main Entrance → Zhihe Ancient County → Bailu Village Ancestral Hall → Erhu Shou Chang’an Show → Night Talk of Bailu Plain Light Show
Highlights: Cultural landmarks and core performances.
- Full-Day Adventure (6–7 hours):
Add the 360° Flight Simulator, Ski Resort, and evening lantern festival.
Highlights: Technology interactions and seasonal events.
- Two-Day Immersion:
Day 1: Film studio tours + night light show.
Day 2: Skiing + folk craft workshops (e.g., paper-cutting, dough figurine making).
Ticket Purchase
- Admission: ¥180 (peak season, March–November); ¥120 (off-season). Free for children under 1.2m.
- Combo Tickets: ¥260 includes skiing and major shows.
- Online Booking: Available via Trip.com or the official WeChat account (ID: Bailuyuan2025).
Transportation
- By Car: 1-hour drive from Xi’an via G40 Shanghai-Xi’an Expressway.
- By Bus: Take bus 910/919 to Qianwei Town, then free shuttle bus to the city.
- By Taxi: ¥150–¥200 from Xi’an city center.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: March–May (spring blossoms) and October–November (autumn foliage).
- Winter Highlights: Ice sculpture Festivals and skiing (December–February).
- Essentials: Wear sturdy shoes for cobblestone paths; bring a light jacket for evening performances.
- Prohibited: Smoking in performance zones; feeding animals.
- Local Dish: Try “Bailu Cold Noodles” (liangpi) with chili oil and mustard.