On the outskirts of Shanghai, Li Lei, the owner of a small factory, uses his spare time and money to build “Transformers” replicas for rent or sale. The new Transformers movie, which is premiering later this month, has brought the factory many new orders, according to Li.

Chinese Transformers

Workers work on Transformers replicas on the outskirts of Shanghai. ALY SONG/REUTERS

Chinese Transformers

Workers work on Transformers replicas on the outskirts of Shanghai. ALY SONG/REUTERS

Chinese Transformers

A worker works on a Transformers replica on the outskirts of Shanghai. ALY SONG/REUTERS

Chinese Transformers

Worker work on Transformers replicas on the outskirts of Shanghai. ALY SONG/REUTERS

Chinese Transformers

A Transformers replica is seen on the outskirts of Shanghai. ALY SONG/REUTERS

Chinese Transformers

Workers work on Transformers replicas on the outskirts of Shanghai. ALY SONG/REUTERS

Chinese Transformers

Children play on a Transformers replica on the outskirts of Shanghai. ALY SONG/REUTERS

Jun 19, 2014