Projectors power Shandong’s largest water curtain show

Images courtesy of Beijing Zhongqing Display Technology

QIHE, China — Christie^® is pleased to announce that its Crimson Series 3DLP laser projectors are powering the visuals of a spectacular new water curtain show at the Yellow River museum clusters in Qihe County, captivating visitors with lifelike detail, vibrant color, and a grand sense of scale.

Titled “Soul of the Winding Yellow River”, this large-scale cultural tourism performance forms part of the panoramic live show “Up and Down the River” and stands as the largest immersive water curtain show ever staged in Shandong Province. Spanning a 180-meter (590-feet) wide water curtain, it recreates the myths of the Yellow River and the origins of Chinese civilization through projection mapping technology.

Crimson WU32 projectors create stunning water curtain projections measuring 180 meters (590 feet) wide by 18 meters (59 feet) high. (Images courtesy of Beijing Zhongqing Display Technology)

A total of 10 Christie Crimson WU32 laser projectors, each supplied and installed by Beijing Zhongqing Display Technology, create a stunning 18-meter (59-feet) high water screen that serves as a canvas for breathtaking storytelling. Against this vast expanse of water, with virtual and real imagery seamlessly interwoven, audiences are transported into celebrated tales from Chinese mythology, including ‘Houyi Shoots the Suns’, ‘Jingwei Fills the Sea’, ‘Kuafu Chases the Sun’, and ‘Dayu Controls the Floods’. These immersive projections frame majestic mountains and rivers, delivering a powerful and moving experience.

“‘Soul of the Winding Yellow River’ is not only a visual feast but also a heartfelt tribute to the cradle of Chinese civilization — the Yellow River,” said Yangshun Jia, project manager, Beijing Zhongqing Display Technology. “Our team is honored to draw upon years of experience in large-scale cultural tourism and performing arts projects to support this landmark production. The outstanding performance of the Christie Crimson WU32 projectors enables us to realize our creative vision with precision, allowing audiences to experience the dynamic interplay of light and shadow.”

Eye-catching visuals depicting scenes from ‘Houyi Shoots the Suns’ (left); engineers from Beijing Zhongqing Display Technology installing the Crimson WU32 projectors in weatherproof enclosures (right)

As systems integrator for the projection element of the show, Beijing Zhongqing Display Technology played a vital role in the planning, installation, and commissioning of the Crimson WU32 projectors. Mounted on floating rafts in the middle of the lake, the projectors are exposed to significant water, mist, and humidity. To address this, they are housed in customized weatherproof enclosures with thermostats and cooling systems to regulate internal temperature and humidity, protecting them from the elements and ensuring stable operation in all weather conditions.

Jia added that this project, which focuses on Yellow River mythology and the roots of Chinese civilization, is set to play a vital role in boosting cultural tourism in Shandong Province. The nightly performances are expected to draw tourists and drive local economic growth through increased ticket sales, accommodation, dining, and shopping revenue. Culturally, it preserves regional history and traditions while fostering cultural exchange among visitors from different regions.

Han Kim, vice president of Sales, Asia-Pacific, Christie, commented, “‘Soul of the Winding Yellow River’ is a prime example of how technology can empower culture. The Crimson WU32, with its high brightness, vivid color reproduction, and strong environmental adaptability, performs reliably even in harsh weather, adding breathtaking visual impact to the performance. We’re delighted that Beijing Zhongqing Display Technology has successfully completed this project, where projection artistry plays a central role in celebrating and promoting the legacy of the Yellow River civilization.”

Engineered from the ground up, the 32,000-lumen Christie Crimson WU32 meets the demands of large venues, live events, and high-use environments. Featuring WUXGA resolution, an IP5X-sealed solid-state laser, and a rugged compact chassis, it delivers reliable, virtually maintenance-free operation. Built-in Christie Twist™ enables fast warping and blending, while optional Christie Mystique™ automated camera-based alignment software solution streamlines calibration and maintenance of multi-projector systems.