China's entertainment industry is hoping for a rebound, after the pandemic shut down film and TV productions. Crews are returning to work at one of China's most famous filming locations, which provided the backdrop for many popular films and TV series. Li Jianhua has more from Hengdian.

These are all replicas of ancient Chinese palaces and cities. In a small town of east China's Zhejiang Province, you can find all these reputable tourist spots crammed together. Hengdian World Studios is among the world's biggest film studios, and it's gradually coming back to life as China has largely contained the coronavirus.

Crews from around the country have resumed work here. With permission, we get to follow a crew which is busy with a costume drama that's scheduled to air next year.

Ma Zhanyou is the producer. He says getting everyone back from all parts of China has been difficult.

MA ZHANYOU Producer Shanghai Film and Television Media "The pandemic mainly affected the preparation for filming. It took us much longer. In terms of management, the cost is higher. Some members from Taipei were quarantined for a week in Shanghai and for another seven days in Hengdian. The cost adds up."

Every year, thousands of people, especially graduates in acting, swarm to the small town to try their luck. This year's been hard, but now things are looking up.

JIA XINRONG Actress "I just graduated, and unfortunately the pandemic erupted. Job hunting has been difficult in all sectors. I came here a month ago. I usually work for a few days straight and then take a rest when I'm too tired. The workload is not bad. I have a lot to do now."

Nearly 50 crews are working in Hengdian, to make up for lost time.

XU XIAOQIN Deputy General Manager Hengdian World Studios "Nearly 80 percent of the crews we had before the pandemic have resumed filming here. I should say a new wave of work resumption is happening. As you may have noted, Hengdian World Studios has been a hot topic online recently as more filming crews are returning to work. We will make up for our losses soon."

Hengdian has long been considered as a main base of China's film industry. Now the studio is investing more to upgrade itself, to better meet international standards.