In China's Hollywood, Hengdian has 200,000 extras, with an abundance of beautiful women.

Hengdian, a small town often referred to by many as the "place where dreams come true," attracts a large number of young people chasing their star dreams.

However, discussions about it are often filled with negative sentiments: terms like "200,000 drifters," "abundance of beauties," "laziness everywhere," "unable to afford meals," and "hidden rules," among others.

These phrases depict a picture filled with challenges and hardships. Nevertheless, a group of young individuals still pursues their dreams here.

In this place where success is sought after, many invest their youth, yet they may not necessarily gain experience, skills, or money.

Sometimes, they simply waste time, raising doubts about whether such efforts are worth it.

Statistics show that there are currently as many as 200,000 extras in Hengdian.

Many come here not just to act but also for the chance to make their dreams come true.

For many, becoming a star means being able to earn money, creating fantasies about the beautiful prospect of "becoming famous overnight."

When compared to the wealth an ordinary person could earn in a lifetime, the pay for a star indeed shows a significant gap.

This apparent economic benefit attracts countless young people seeking the rewards.

In their minds, breaking into the public eye through social media or gaining fame by filming in Hengdian are effective paths to realizing their dreams.

In this industry with relatively low entry barriers, many young people hope to try their luck.

Especially some young girls who consider themselves attractive, they are eager to earn more opportunities through hard work.

Directors in Hengdian often state that beautiful appearances are not the only criteria; what matters is whether these actors are willing to put in more effort to meet the directors' demands.

Many actresses wake up at three in the morning to put on makeup to perform better in front of the camera, despite the long wait.

They patiently wait in the production teams, striving for a chance to appear on screen.

To survive in this competitive environment, extras have to work under harsh conditions, often needing to wear heavy clothing in the hot summer or film in cold water.

However, the chances of being selected are minuscule, and even small roles face intense competition.

To secure more opportunities, some young people even use their charm to build relationships with production teams to enhance their exposure.

Nevertheless, the wages for extras are often disappointing. Typically, they are paid daily, averaging only 100 yuan per day, and they might waste a day’s time without work.

Even standout roles often receive only meager bonuses, leading one to question whether such efforts are worthwhile.

Everyone dreams of becoming a star, but the chances of achieving that are comparable to winning the lottery.

Many people live in empty houses in Hengdian and its surroundings, struggling to get by, and although they explore the self-media industry, their income remains minimal.

Some believe that a bricklaying job is better than wasting time here; while a bricklayer may only ever be a worker, there’s still a chance for upward mobility.

However, in this small town, the dream of becoming a star attracts young people, making them willing to endure hardships.

In this place where dreams clash with reality, many young individuals still hope to persevere.

Although their youth is limited and the roles they can get often lack dignity, some believe that as long as they do not harm society, their choice of lifestyle is none of anyone else's business.

It’s worth noting that today’s shining stars on screen were also nurtured among these nameless extras.

Without their silent contributions, today’s rich and diverse film and television works might not exist.

Hengdian is a place where dreams and reality intertwine; here, young people face not only opportunities but also the harsh realities.

Despite the challenges along the road to pursuing dreams, it is these efforts and persistence that have shaped today’s film and television world.