Hengdian Film & TV Industrial Park has opened a massive underwater studio measuring over 2000sqm in size in total, split into two main pools, or stages, for various filming purposes.

The first of the stages is 4.25m deep and set out in a U-shaped layout, while the second is between 1.5 to 6.5m deep and 25m by 15m across. Each pool features wave generation, transparent shooting chambers and temperature control.

Each wave generation system includes swell, surge and ripple modes, encompassing over 100 distinct surface-wave patterns for different narrative requirements. This enables realistic simulations for oceans, lakes or rivers, making the stages suitable for filming both intimate close-ups and high-intensity action scenes.

A moveable overhead framework can be customized for many different configurations of camera and other heavy gear, giving filmmakers a high degree of on-set efficiency and flexibility. This allows the facility to host both large-scale film and TV projects as well as vertical short drama production. 

Hengdian’s underwater film stage also comes with a fully trained and equipped underwater production team. Jingzhe Film is a pioneering underwater VFX house founded in 2004, credited for its work on more than 700 productions. Jingzhe has helped set industry guidelines and also runs underwater photography courses for universities.

Currently, Jingzhe Film has formally taken up residence at Hengdian’s underwater VFX stage, bringing proprietary underwater rigs, motion-control expertise and a seasoned effects crew to the facility. Its experts have worked on water shoots for high value productions including Wolf Warrior 2, Detective Chinatown 1900, Painted Skin 2 and Creation of the Gods.

 

Hengdian’s underwater studio also comes with four VIP lounges fitted with ensuite bathrooms, shower rooms, as well as multiple offices and equipment rooms. Continuous recirculation and filtration systems maintain water clarity, while precision temperature control keeps the water at 28°C or above to ensure performer comfort and stable equipment operation.

The studio first opened in June, adding to Hengdian’s vast lineup of high-quality production infrastructure. Since then, the facility has already hosted over 20 production teams across TV dramas and short dramas.