Chairman – Hangzhou

The blend of international exposure and domestic grounding has been instrumental in shaping my career.

1. Can you tell us a little about your professional journey and educational background that influenced your career path?

I pursued my higher education in Canada, where I majored in Business Management. This international academic experience broadened my perspective and equipped me with a strong foundation in modern business practices. Upon returning to China, I continued my studies at Zhejiang University, focusing once again on management, which allowed me to deepen my understanding of both global and local business environments. This blend of international exposure and domestic grounding has been instrumental in shaping my career and enabling me to lead our company with a global vision and a culturally sensitive approach.

2. What were some of the key skills and values you gained while working alongside your father in the family business?

After completing my academic journey, I joined the family business at an entry level, beginning with hands-on work in installation and design. Over time, I transitioned into marketing and eventually into management. This progression was very intentional and guided by my father’s philosophy that every leader must understand every facet of the business. He instilled in me the importance of mastering each stage of the process through direct experience and independent thinking. From him, I learned the value of diligence, self-reliance, and the importance of being intimately involved in all aspects of operations—principles that continue to shape my leadership today.

3. As the Chairman of Hangzhou Water Show Culture Group Co. Ltd., how do you envision the role of your company in the cultural and entertainment sectors of China?

As a leading enterprise in the cultural and entertainment sector in China, we believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to set industry standards and inspire innovation. Personally, I embrace the philosophy of "work hard, play hard"—a balance that reflects both the spirit of creativity and the discipline of leadership. Our company plays a critical role in enriching public life through immersive cultural experiences. This is not only a commercial endeavor but a social responsibility: to contribute to the cultural vibrancy and emotional well-being of our society through world-class entertainment.

We are committed to staying at the forefront of video mapping & AI integration.

4. What is your personal mission as the leader of WSCG, and how does it align with the company's overall vision and goals?

My personal mission is closely aligned with the core values of our company: to work with integrity, lead with creativity, and serve with dedication. While we remain deeply committed to technological excellence and artistic innovation, we also recognize the importance of fulfilling our social responsibilities by delivering meaningful and engaging experiences to our audiences. Our goal is to consistently offer more captivating, intelligent, and value-driven projects that resonate with people, enhance urban life, and reflect the cultural richness of each locale we engage with.

5. WSCG operates in diverse areas such as intelligent lighting, video mapping, and cultural shows. What excites you the most about these industries, and how do you see them evolving?

What excites me most about our industry is its constant evolution, largely driven by market demands and technological advancements. Fifteen years ago, our work was primarily about showcasing our capabilities to clients. Today, the dynamic has shifted—clients now come to us with clear visions and increasingly sophisticated expectations. This shift is both challenging and invigorating. It compels us to innovate continuously, adapt rapidly, and co-create with our clients in ways that were previously unimaginable. This dialogue between demand and creativity is what keeps our industry vibrant and full of potential.

6. With projects in over 300 cities in China and 20 countries globally, how do you adapt your offerings to different international markets? Are there any countries or regions you are particularly focused on for expansion?

Our approach to international markets is rooted in adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration. Each country has its own unique cultural nuances, audience preferences, and regulatory environments, and we tailor our projects accordingly. Among the many regions we've explored, Pakistan stands out as a particularly promising market. It is a youthful, dynamic country with strong growth potential. We’ve completed several projects there, and the local government and our partners have been extremely supportive. The business environment is welcoming, and we are excited to continue expanding our footprint in the region.

7. Video mapping has gained popularity in the entertainment industry. How is WSCG utilizing this technology in your projects, and what innovative applications do you foresee for video mapping in large-scale cultural shows or urban spaces?

Video mapping is an essential component of our creative toolkit, and we are committed to staying at the forefront of this rapidly advancing technology. At WSCG, we already employ some of the most advanced video mapping technologies available in our projects. Looking forward, we believe that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionize this space even further. We have already initiated R&D in AI-driven systems to enhance interactivity, precision, and customization in our visual storytelling, particularly in urban environments and large-scale cultural events.

8. The integration of digital media and the metaverse is transforming many industries. How does WSCG plan to explore the potential of the metaverse or other virtual environments in the context of cultural art shows and entertainment?

WSCG is actively exploring the possibilities of the metaverse and virtual environments. We have already begun developing digital avatars and virtual city models as part of our immersive experience offerings. These innovations are designed to complement our physical installations and performances, allowing audiences to engage with cultural content in both real and virtual spaces. The goal is to create a hybrid experience that blends the tangible with the digital, opening new dimensions for creativity and audience interaction.

9. Looking ahead, can you share any upcoming technological developments or innovations that WSCG is working on for future projects?

We recently completed a high-profile video mapping project in Dubai, which showcased some of our latest technological capabilities. Looking forward, we are directing significant resources toward projects in the Middle East and Central Asia, including continued expansion in Pakistan. These regions are rich with opportunity and have been very receptive to our creative and technological innovations. Our focus remains on combining cutting-edge technology with cultural relevance to deliver unforgettable experiences.

10. As you mentioned, your father made you self-learn everything. So what was your vision then and what is the vision now – as the Chairman of WSCG?

In the early days, under my father's leadership, the primary focus of the company was on technological innovation and quality control. These remain essential pillars of our business. However, as Chairman, I have expanded our vision to emphasize service excellence as well. Today, in addition to our advanced factories and design studios, we invest heavily in customer service and client engagement. In a competitive industry, superior service not only differentiates us but also adds significant value to our offerings. I believe that the future of our company lies in combining world-class technology with a deep commitment to client satisfaction.

11. Lastly, for our EVOLVE readers who are interested in joining your industry or pursuing similar career paths, what advice would you give them?

My advice to young professionals is to stay curious and embrace the transformative potential of new technologies—particularly artificial intelligence. The job market is evolving rapidly, and traditional roles may become less relevant in the near future. Our industry, however, remains deeply engaging and impactful. It offers the unique opportunity to blend technology, creativity, and cultural expression to improve lives and inspire communities. We warmly welcome young talent who are passionate, innovative, and eager to be part of a vibrant, future-oriented industry.

The future of our company lies in combining world-class technology with deep commitment to client satisfaction.

Inside Hangzhou Water Show Culture Group’s Global Influence

In an era where experience often outweighs mere attraction, Hangzhou Water Show Culture Group (HWSCG) has emerged as a global pioneer in the fusion of art, technology, and storytelling. Founded in 1989 in the innovation hub of Hangzhou’s Zijingang Science and Technology City, this trailblazing company is redefining public entertainment through its mesmerizing water shows, cultural performances, and multimedia installations.

What sets HWSCG apart is not just its command over traditional fountain engineering, but its seamless blending of diverse elements — water, light, sound, fire, shadow, and fog — into immersive, narrative-driven spectacles. By incorporating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, 3D laser mapping, and large-scale projection, the company has transformed cityscapes into living, breathing performance canvases.

Engineering Emotion Through Water and Light

With more than three decades of innovation, HWSCG has completed projects in over 20 countries, bringing high-impact, high-emotion experiences to audiences across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. From the vibrant musical fountains of Tashkent to the stunning light and water show projected on Dubai’s Burj Khalifa — celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations between China and the Arab world — their portfolio demonstrates an exceptional ability to blend cultural context with technological artistry.

Their domestic impact is just as impressive. The company has contributed to landmark national projects throughout China’s 32 provinces, and has become a key player in the “Belt and Road” cultural strategy, helping to export Chinese creativity and technological prowess to the world stage.

Innovation Meets Legacy

HWSCG's success lies in its multidisciplinary approach. Drawing inspiration from literature, drama, cinema, and traditional performance arts, the company creates productions that are as rich in narrative as they are in spectacle. It’s this combination — artistic sensitivity paired with engineering expertise — that has earned them numerous accolades, including first-class national quality engineering awards and recognition as a national high-tech enterprise.

By constantly evolving with market trends and technological advancements, HWSCG is not only meeting the rising global demand for immersive experiences but also shaping the future of cultural tourism, city branding, and large-scale public events.

Leadership at the Helm: Chairman Zhou Shujian 

At the helm of HWSCG is Chairman Mr. Zhou Shujian, also known as Kevin. Under his leadership, the company has evolved from a local innovator to a global cultural ambassador. Mr. Zhou's vision is to create not just beautiful waterscapes, but works of art that represent a city's cultural identity. His leadership has been instrumental in HWSCG's recognition as a key player in the “Belt and Road” cultural and tourism initiatives, showcasing Chinese creativity and technological prowess on the world stage.

In 2019, Mr. Zhou was honored with the "2019 New Hangzhou Trader" title, acknowledging his contributions to the city's economic and cultural development. His commitment to innovation and excellence continues to drive the company's success and its mission to promote social welfare through cultural development.