More than 50 Christie 1DLP laser projectors have redefined the cultural tourism experience in Hubei province with “Ballad of Chu,” an immersive indoor theatrical performance centered on Jingchu culture. As China’s first immersive show themed around this heritage, the large-scale production blends history and projection technology to create a unique storytelling environment.
The 14,000-square-meter venue at Mulan Everbright Town—home of legendary folk heroine Hua Mulan—features multiple performance spaces, including a third-floor theatre, a second-floor “Zhaojun Goes to the Frontier” performance, and a “Battle of Red Cliffs” projection zone. Jianye Display handled projection design, installation, and systems integration for all three venues.
“Mulan Everbright Town has rapidly become a phenomenal night tourism landmark since its opening earlier this year,” said Ke Zhou, regional manager of Hubei district, Jianye Display. “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 third-floor theatre uses 36 Christie projectors to deliver a four-sided immersive experience with 360-degree rotating seats. On the second floor, six Captiva DWU500S projectors and customized electric gauze screens bring dreamlike softness to the “Zhaojun Goes to the Frontier” performance. The “Battle of Red Cliffs” zone features three Inspire Series DWU860-iS projectors, using dynamic wall and floor projections to portray ancient warfare scenes.
Other models deployed throughout the venue include DWU1612-HS, DWU8902-GS, DWU1100-GS and DWU760-iS. Key projection surfaces include a 9.6-meter by 6-meter flying screen and a 10.6-meter by 6-meter wall, both using Christie 4K13-HS projectors for sharp, high-resolution visuals.
Zhou noted that the installation faced challenges, especially in the third-floor theatre, where projection mapping was required. The team used 3D simulation techniques to map light paths at a 1:1 scale and ensure accurate placement. Environmental protection included weatherproof enclosures and smart monitoring systems for temperature and humidity.
April Qin, senior sales director for China, Christie, commented, “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 debut, Ballad of Chu has drawn acclaim from audiences and industry experts. Yue Chen, head of the Mulan Huaxiang Scenic Area, said the production has not only filled a gap in live performances showcasing Jingchu culture but also set a new benchmark for combining technology and tourism.
