Tianlongbabu Film and Television City

Introducing Tianlongbabu Film Studio

Dali Tianlongbabu Film and Television City, located in Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, covers an area of ​​460,000 square kilometers and consists of three major areas: the first section houses the Dali Kingdom, including Dali Street, the Western Xia Royal Palace, and the Zhennan Palace; the second section houses the Liao Kingdom, including the Liao City Gate and the Liao Streets; and the third section houses the Western Xia Royal Palace and the Jurchen tribe. Primarily constructed of brick and wood, with blue bricks and tiles as the primary building materials, the complex features 146 individual buildings, arranged in a stepped pattern to reflect the natural terrain. Based on Jin Yong's novel "The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," the complex is a replica of ancient architecture, drawing on a blend of Song Dynasty and Dali culture.

A visit to the Tianlongbabu Film and Television City is primarily about admiring the ancient architecture, reliving the excitement of the TV series "The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," and searching for scenes from the film among the buildings. Additionally, the city features recurring performances of juggling, ball-tossing, and retro shadow puppetry, making for a truly delightful experience. After filming wrapped on "The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," other television series and movies like "The Ancient Tea Horse Road," "Legend of the Shang Dynasty," "Princess of Dali," "The Perfect Nine," and "The Four Young Masters" were filmed here.

Climate and best time to travel

The low-latitude plateau boasts a monsoon climate; the best time to visit is from March to April, when the Dali March Festival takes place. The Dali March Festival is a traditional event held annually from the 15th to the 22nd day of the third lunar month. The March Street Market is a grand Bai ethnic minority festival or market held at the eastern foot of Zhonghe Peak in Cangshan Mountain, west of Dali Ancient City.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Xixia Royal Palace, Zhenlong Chess Game, Zhennan Palace;

It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours

Tickets

52 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

08:00-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Tianlongbabu Film and Television City

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Tianlongbabu Film and Television City is a large-scale studio and theme park inspired by the famous wuxia novel "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" (Tianlongbabu). It serves as both a filming location and a cultural attraction showcasing traditional architecture, martial arts, and ancient Chinese lifestyle.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Located near Dali, Yunnan Province. Accessible by taxi, private car, or tour buses from Dali Old Town. Walking is recommended within the studio grounds to explore various sets.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Open daily, typically from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Best times to visit are during spring and autumn for comfortable weather and clear skies.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance fee is approximately 120–150 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through online booking platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is recommended during weekends and public holidays, ideally 1–3 days prior to visiting.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

3–5 hours to explore the main sets, participate in costume photography, and enjoy performances.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Main wuxia film sets recreating ancient Dali streets and palaces
• Costume and photography areas
• Bridges, canals, and plazas within the park
• Live performance stages and martial arts demonstration areas

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Chinese. Limited English-language support may be offered by private tour operators.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Main palace and street sets for wide-angle shots
• Water canals and stone bridges reflecting the architecture
• Costume photography areas with traditional backgrounds

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the entrance plaza, follow the main street sets, visit performance areas, explore canal and bridge zones, then finish with costume photography and souvenir shopping.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are generally not available. Special performances or seasonal events may be held during festivals.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

It is crowded on weekends and holidays. Weekdays are the least crowded, especially in the morning.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include public toilets, small cafes and snack stalls, rest areas, and souvenir shops.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Most areas are accessible to children and elderly visitors. Some uneven pathways may pose challenges for wheelchair users.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted. Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted at shops and ticket counters.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Small themed cafes and snack stalls inside the city; larger restaurants are available in Dali Old Town.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available. Vegan and Halal options may be limited; best to check in nearby restaurants in Dali.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Guesthouses and boutique hotels in Dali Old Town are within 15–20 minutes by car.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Dali Ancient Town
• Cangshan Mountain Scenic Area
• Erhai Lake
• Three Pagodas of Dali

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops sell film-themed merchandise, traditional handicrafts, postcards, and costume accessories.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Taxi, private car, or tour bus to return to Dali Old Town or continue to nearby scenic spots like Cangshan Mountain or Erhai Lake.