Christie, the global visual and audio technology company, has supplied more than 50 Christie 1DLP laser projectors for the “Ballad of Chu”, a cultural tourism experience in Hubei province, China.
This large-scale immersive theatrical performance, which combines history and technology, marks the country’s first indoor immersive performance based on Jingchu culture and has established a new benchmark for the integration of projection technology into heritage-based attractions.
High-impact visuals
The Ballad of Chu uses extraordinary visual effects and immersive narrative to bring the rich heritage of Jingchu culture to life.
The 14,000 square metre (150,695 square foot) venue is situated in Mulan Everbright Town, the home of the legendary heroine Hua Mulan, and includes numerous performance spaces. The third-floor theatre is accompanied by the “Zhaojun Goes to the Frontier” performance on the second floor, in addition to the “Battle of Red Cliffs” projection zone.
Jianye Display held a key role in the projection design, installation, and systems integration, guaranteeing seamless delivery across all three spaces.
Ke Zhou, regional manager of Hubei district, Jianye Display, says: “Mulan Everbright Town has rapidly become a phenomenal night tourism landmark since its opening earlier this year.
“Christie’s 1DLP laser projectors were chosen for their high performance, color accuracy, and reliability, which are essential for delivering high-impact visuals in immersive environments. This project blends tradition with cutting-edge technology, offering visitors an unforgettable cultural experience.”
The large third-floor theatre, which features 360 degree rotating seats, uses 36 Christie laser projectors to produce a spectacular four-sided immersive stage, while the Zhaojun Goes to the Frontier performance has six Captiva DWU500S projectors with bespoke electric gauze screens to create a dreamlike, soft-focus effect.
Additionally, three Inspire Series DWU860-iS projectors and gauze screens are used in the Battle of Red Cliffs space in wall and floor projections that vividly depict ancient warfare.
Extensive projection surfaces
The installations also feature expansive projection surfaces that showcase the visual fidelity achieved by Christie’s advanced technology. For example, the flying screen extends to 9.6 metres by 6 metres (31.5 feet by 19.7 feet), while the third-floor theatre houses a 10.6-metre by 6-metre (34.5-feet by 19.7-feet) projection wall with 4K13-HS projectors.
Further projector models used for this huge installation include the DWU1612-HS, DWU8902-GS, DWU1100-GS, and DWU760-iS.
The installation posed significant challenges for the team, notably the precise projection mapping for the third-floor theatre. For this, 3D simulation techniques were used to accurately model light paths at a 1:1 scale and guarantee ideal projector placement.
To combat environmental issues, waterproof enclosures and intelligent temperature and humidity monitoring systems were installed to ensure the projectors’ performance in challenging conditions.
April Qin, senior sales director for China, Christie, says: “Christie’s laser projectors bring an unparalleled level of realism and depth to immersive environments in the ‘Ballad of Chu’ theatrical performance. Their ability to deliver rich colors, sharp details, and seamless integration across large-scale installations makes them ideal for cultural tourism projects.
“We are proud to support Jianye Display in bringing this extraordinary production to life and setting new standards for experiential storytelling.”
Since its launch, Ballad of Chu has captivated audiences with its visually beautiful, multi-sensory journey through history. Guests have described the production as groundbreaking and awe-inspiring.
The production’s success has also been recognised by experts in the industry. Yue Chen, head of the Mulan Huaxiang Scenic Area, said that the attraction has not only filled a gap in live performances highlighting Jingchu culture but has also set a standard for the integration of culture and tourism.
Recently, Christie shared how its Crimson Series 3DLP laser projectors have been used in a projection mapping display at the Golden Summit complex at Mount Laojun in China, which explores a millennium of Taoist culture.
