A comprehensive upgrade across three-stage performance spaces: land, water, and air
In addition to the creative development of the show itself, the most direct highlight of this revamp is the stage. The performance venue of "Fantasy Tai Chi" is set against a volcanic landscape and the Shangri-La Lake beneath it. In this edition, the stage has been completely transformed. While the main visual of the volcano remains unchanged, the “water, land, and air” dimensions will all serve as performance areas, resulting in a larger performance space, wider audience perspectives, more available performance elements, and ultimately a richer and more immersive final effect.
Land platform: The original land stage was semi-circular in shape with a central lift. The redesigned stage is a 600-plus-square-meter wet-and-dry platform that can seamlessly switch between a dry stage and a water stage in just three seconds. Currently, this platform is the largest of its kind in Asia. Another highlight of this platform is the front matrix platform, consisting of 14 independently controllable lifting panels that can be arranged into various formations based on the needs of the storyline.
Water stage: The water stage in this edition can be considered the most complex in China in terms of the integrated use of underwater stage equipment and special effects. It incorporates a variety of underwater devices such as fountains, underwater fire, fog effects, moving platforms, and lifting platforms. Its perfect integration with the wet-and-dry platform brings the performance directly to the audience’s view. Viewers can not only appreciate the grand overall spectacle but also observe the subtle facial expressions and movements of the performers, greatly enhancing the interactive experience.
Air stage: One of the biggest regrets in previous performances was the lack of sufficient aerial acts, making the entire show feel rather flat. Therefore, the most labor-intensive change in this edition lies in the utilization of the aerial performance space. To this end, Hengdian World Studios introduced globally leading numerically controlled flying wire technology — 26 wire points at a height of 30 meters, with densely arranged wires of varying thicknesses on two levels, making aerial performances a major highlight of this revamp. "Fantasy Tai Chi" is also the first outdoor large-scale performance in China to adopt this equipment. Additionally, a 360-degree rotating wire hoist is used, capable of achieving a vertical drop or rise of 20 meters within 10 seconds. This not only demands extremely high physical fitness and performance skills from the actors but also requires highly precise operation due to its coordination with other large props. Of course, the final effect presented by the show will be truly extraordinary.