Qianhai is emerging as a pivotal growth engine for cultural and creative industries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, attracting leading film and television firms to set up shop thanks to its preferential policies and unique shooting scenes.
The special economic zone in Shenzhen had gathered a lineup of renowned film and television enterprises by the end of 2025, including TVB’s 77 Atelier, Mansen Culture, and Daylight Entertainment.
Tailored policy incentives have been a key driving force behind its film and television boom, providing strong support for Hong Kong-Shenzhen cooperation projects. According to its policies, Hong Kong-Shenzhen co-produced films and TV series are eligible for subsidies of 2 to 3 percent based on box office or broadcast transaction value, with an additional one-off bonus of 500,000 yuan ($72,665) for projects filmed in Qianhai.
ALSO READ: Qianhai’s policies and services boost Hong Kong startups
An annual amount of up to 3 million yuan is granted for Hong Kong-Shenzhen co-produced films, TV series and post-production services, and micro-short dramas going global can receive up to 1 million yuan per year.
Besides financial rewards, the zone also offers tax and space benefits to deepen cross-boundary collaboration. Eligible cultural enterprises can enjoy a reduced corporate income tax rate of 15 percent, while Hong Kong residents working in Qianhai are exempt from the personal income tax differential.
In addition, qualified film and television institutions can rent industrial premises at a 30 to 70 percent discount.
TVB’s subsidiary based in Qianhai has produced a string of hits featuring Qianhai locations, including The Queen of News, Darkside of the Moon, Forensic Heroes VI: Redemption and No Room for Crime.
READ MORE: Experts: Qianhai to maintain leading role in Shenzhen-HK integration
Industry insiders say Qianhai is perfectly suited for urban and fashion dramas, given its unique urban landscape blending Hong Kong style, international flair, coastal charm, modernity and futurism.
“There is hardly any scene we cannot find in Qianhai,” said Chung Shu-kai, chief producer of Hong Kong TV drama The Queen of News 2.
The special economic zone’s cultural industry showed robust development in 2025, with a double-digit growth rate. It accounted for roughly one-sixth of Shenzhen’s total output in digital creative industry, one-fifth of the city’s sports and entertainment output and half of its advertising output.
Contact the writer at sally@chinadailyhk.com
