Christie, the global visual and audio technology company, has supplied its HS Series 1DLP laser projectors for a new Phoenix-inspired light and water show at Ningxia Yinchuan Cultural City in northwest China.
The mythical bird has become an icon for the city, and this night-time spectacular reflects Yinchuan’s dedication to artistic excellence through a blend of real locations, inventive storytelling, and cutting-edge technology.
Vivid water screen projection
The Phoenix Dance of Yinchuan water display is powered by five Christie D20WU-HS 1DLP projectors, each of which uses 20,600 lumens to bring spectacular projections to life on a water screen. The projectors were installed by Jianye Display, Christie’s trusted partner in Southern China. The firm has extensive experience across cultural tourism, corporate, and government installations. Jianye Display was instrumental to this project and both directed projection and system designs, and led on-site construction and commissioning.
Huazong Dong, technical supervisor, Jianye Display, says: “The centerpiece of this aquatic spectacle is the striking water screen projection at this musical fountain that has contributed significantly to the nighttime allure of Yinchuan.
“The D20WU-HS projectors played a pivotal role in this endeavor, thanks to their remarkable attributes such as high brightness output, excellent color reproduction, compact footprint and omnidirectional capabilities. The vivid projections, synchronized with the rhythmic dance of water jets and uplifting music, beautifully paints the city in an ethereal glow after dark.”
The show features water columns that reach heights of up to 15 metres and turns the Diannong River into a canvas for a captivating phoenix-themed performance that combines water jets, show lighting, and music.
Dong reports that the five Christie D20WU-HS projectors with telephoto lenses were placed along the Diannong River’s edge, housed in weatherproof enclosures on vertical poles. From here, they can project colourful images onto the water screen at 90 metres wide and 12 metres high.
To guarantee the reliable operation of the performances, the ChristieNET Master Display Controller was also installed to remotely monitor the status of the equipment in real time.
Cultural legacy
Phoenix dance of Yinchuan has been enthusiastically received by audiences, who praise its clear and diverse storyline which offers an alternative to traditional light and water shows.
Dong comments: “Unlike conventional shows that often rely on repeated combinations of various elements, this innovative spectacle presents a clear and well-defined portrayal of its core theme. Here, the convergence of culture, technology, and creativity gives rise to a performance like no other.”
April Qin, senior director of sales for China, Enterprise, Christie, adds: “Witnessing our D20WU-HS projectors bring the Phoenix dance of Yinchuan light and water show to life is a testament to the transformative power of technology and creativity.
“Collaborating with our trusted partner, Jianye Display, we’ve not only illuminated the night skies of Yinchuan but also elevated the city’s cultural legacy. This compelling project exemplifies the brilliance and innovation that define our commitment to delivering unparalleled visual experiences.”
Christie recently shared its plans to present its smart technologies and demonstrate how they can deliver memorable experiences at ISE 2024, which is taking place until 2 February in Barcelona.
