1. Integrated System Design

This is not merely a combination of lights and fountains; it requires the coordinated planning of six key elements—site survey, water feature structure, lighting and projection equipment, storyline development, intelligent programming, and on-site debugging—to achieve millisecond-level synchronization between water patterns, lighting, lasers, music, and video.

2. Site-Specific Adaptation

Leveraging the existing ecology of lakes, rivers, and ponds, the water curtain dimensions, spray angles, and equipment placements are customized based on water area, wind direction, and the surrounding environment. This approach preserves the daytime landscape, enhances wind resistance, minimizes interference, and ensures suitability for outdoor settings.

3. Cultural Content Differentiation

We move beyond generic templates by delving deeply into local culture, urban heritage, scenic area IPs, or commercial characteristics to create bespoke narratives and visual imagery. This approach builds unique memorable experiences and avoids homogenization.

4. Technological Stability and Ease of Maintenance

We utilize high-brightness engineering projectors and a full range of waterproof, wind-resistant outdoor equipment. Combined with image compensation algorithms to address image jitter caused by water flow, this solution balances immersive visual effects with long-term, low maintenance costs.

5. Safe, Smart, and Operationally Flexible

Equipped with a smart weather-sensing system that automatically pauses performances during inclement weather; supports multi-program switching and scheduled start/stop functions, adapting to diverse operational scenarios such as regular scenic area performances, holiday special events, and commercial activities.

6. Precise Targeting by Scenario

Cultural and Tourism Attractions: Emphasize cultural storytelling, grand and awe-inspiring visuals, and long-term visitor attraction

Urban Parks and Squares: Emphasis on simplicity and comfort, accessibility for the general public, and regular daily performances

Commercial Districts: Emphasis on trendy, eye-catching designs, lightweight construction, and high social media shareability

7. Balanced Day and Night Scenery

While prioritizing nighttime light and shadow performance effects, the system optimizes daytime water feature layouts to avoid visual clutter, delivering dual scenic value: daytime water views and nighttime light and shadow spectacles.

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Three Common Types of Water Screen Movies: Fan-Shaped Water Screens, Direct-Flow Drainage Screens, and CNC Water Screens

Water screen movies are currently one of the most visually striking forms of presentation in musical fountain projects and are widely used in scenic area night tours, urban plazas, and cultural and tourism complexes. Many people assume that a water screen is simply a curtain of water used to project a movie; in reality, water screen movies can be divided into three mainstream types based on how the screen is formed: fan-shaped water screens, direct-flow drainage screens, and CNC-controlled water screens. Their visual effects and suitable applications vary significantly. Let’s break them down one by one.

I. Fan-Shaped Water Screen
The fan-shaped water screen is the most widely used and technically mature type. High-pressure water jets are sprayed into the air in a fan-shaped pattern through fan-shaped nozzles, forming a water film tens of meters wide. Projectors project images onto this “water screen” from either the front or the back. Viewed from the side, the cross-section of the water screen unfolds like a fan—narrow at the bottom and wide at the top, resembling an open folding fan.

Key Features: Screen height ranges from 15 to 40 meters, with a width of 20 to 60 meters that can be customized as needed; the water film maintains good continuity and offers high projection clarity, making it suitable for video content; wind resistance is moderate (the screen surface is prone to dispersing in winds exceeding Force 3–4). Suitable Scenarios: Large open bodies of water—urban scenic lakes, scenic area reservoirs, coastal plazas, and live cultural and tourism performances—making it the preferred solution for water screen film projects in China.

II. Direct-Flow Water Screen
The direct-flow water screen does not rely on a water film for imaging. Instead, it features dozens or even hundreds of direct-flow nozzles densely arranged in a straight line, with each nozzle spraying a fine, dense column of water vertically upward to form a continuous “water wall” side by side. To put it simply: a fan-shaped water screen is like “a fan,” while a direct-flow water screen is like “a row of fences.”

Core Features: The screen surface is straight and uniform, with neat edges; Because it consists of independent water columns, the projected image exhibits a subtle vertical striped effect; it offers a unique aesthetic when displaying abstract light and shadow effects or laser animations, though its high-definition video reproduction quality is not as good as that of a fan-shaped water curtain; it has better wind resistance than a fan-shaped water curtain, requires less water flow, and has lower operating costs. Suitable Scenarios: Medium- to large-sized fountain basins, commercial plaza water features, and building forecourts; it is often combined with choreographed musical fountains to create synchronized water curtain and lighting performances.

III. Computer-Controlled Water Curtain
The computer-controlled water curtain is the most technologically advanced and expressive of the three types. Each nozzle is precisely controlled by an independent solenoid valve with millisecond-level accuracy; through programming, it can “write” text, patterns, logos, and even simple animations within the water curtain. If the fan-shaped water curtain is a “projector” and the direct-flow water curtain is a “light show,” then the computer-controlled water curtain is a “water-based LED screen”— —it creates images through the presence or absence of water, enabling independent performances without the need for a projector.

Key Features: Resolution is determined by the spacing between nozzles (typically 20–50 mm, with high-end systems reaching 10–15 mm); it can display Chinese and English text, numbers, and graphics, with text cascading from the top of the curtain to create a waterfall-style effect; construction and maintenance costs are higher than the other two types, and water quality requirements are stricter (to prevent nozzle clogging). Suitable Scenarios: Commercial complexes, brand launch events, theme parks, hotel water features, and Instagrammable hotspots—the “water that writes” naturally generates buzz.

IV. How to Choose?
The three types of water screens aren’t a matter of superiority or inferiority, but rather a question of suitability for the scenario:

Seeking grand scale and visual impact → Fan-shaped water screen. The “standard configuration” for large-scale lake performances, offering a vast display area and high clarity.

Limited budget, wind resistance required → Direct-flow water curtain. Cost-effective with low operational and maintenance costs; creates outstanding light and shadow effects when paired with lighting.

Emphasis on interaction and virality → Computer-controlled water curtain. “Writing on water” naturally generates buzz, making it ideal for commercial spaces and brand marketing.

Seeking the ultimate experience → A combination of all three. Fan-shaped water curtain for video playback + computer-controlled water curtain for text display + direct-flow water curtain for ambiance—creating a richly layered experience.

In recent years, the night‑time economy has kept booming. Water‑screen light shows have practically become a standard crowd‑drawing attraction for cultural‑tourism scenic spots, urban plazas and commercial complexes. Nevertheless, a common pitfall many project clients encounter during preparation is disconnection between design and construction. Design firms deliver stunning renderings that prove unfeasible on‑site, and when problems arise, designers and constructors shift blame onto one another. This article provides a complete breakdown of water‑screen light show design and implementation, covering concepts, applicable scenarios and on‑site delivery workflows.

1. What Is a Water‑Screen Light Show
A water‑screen light show is a multimedia water‑show project that uses a high‑pressure water screen as the projection medium. Specially‑manufactured nozzles spray water to form an even fan‑shaped water wall. Combined with laser projection, RGB underwater lights, numerically‑controlled fountains and background music, it delivers a three‑in‑one night spectacle: projected visuals on water, rhythmic lighting and choreographed fountain patterns. It functions both as landscape installation and content carrier. It can play city promotional videos and scenic‑spot IP stories, as well as custom‑branded advertisements. A single show achieves both visual appeal and narrative communication.

2. Suitable Application Scenarios for Water‑Screen Light Shows
Cultural‑tourism Scenic Spots / Night‑Tour Projects: Serves as a core night‑tour highlight to extend visitor dwell time and boost secondary consumption such as catering and accommodation.
Municipal Plazas / Urban Waterfronts: Supports festival galas and regular night‑view displays to enhance urban image and public satisfaction.
Commercial Real Estate / Complexes: Creates photo‑worthy landmarks for grand openings and holiday events to convert foot traffic into business revenue.
Hotels / Resorts: Acts as high‑end supporting facility to elevate guest experience and drive revenue from banquets and events.
Theme Parks / Exhibitions: Enables flexible content updates for festivals and marketing campaigns.

3. Integrated Design‑to‑Construction Workflow of Lishi Fountain Company
We adopt an all‑in‑one in‑house service covering design, construction and operation‑maintenance, fundamentally eliminating hand‑off gaps between different parties.
01 Free Site Survey & Concept Design
We conduct on‑site surveys. Concept proposals and effect previews are developed based on site dimensions, water‑level conditions and viewing perspectives. Clients can preview visual outcomes before making investment decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.
02 Detailed Design & Choreography Programming
3D effect simulation, water‑pattern choreography and video scripting lock in final performance effects at the proposal stage.
03 In‑house Manufacturing
Nozzles, water pumps and control cabinets are all produced in our own factory. As the original manufacturer, we offer factory‑direct pricing with reliable quality and lead‑time control.

04 On‑site Installation & Construction
Our in‑house construction team executes piping, electrical work and equipment deployment. No subcontracting or outsourcing of projects.

05 System Programming & Joint Commissioning
Millisecond‑level synchronization of water movement, lighting and audio. Over 100 built‑in show programs available for instant switching between holiday themes and daily performances.

06 Acceptance, Operator Training & After‑sales Maintenance
72‑hour full‑water trial run, hands‑on training for on‑site operators, plus sustained long‑term after‑sales operation and maintenance support.

Water curtain fountains are central landscape features in commercial plazas, parks, and cultural and tourism nightscape projects. High-quality installation is crucial for ensuring optimal water curtain effects and the safe, stable operation of the equipment. Proper installation effectively prevents issues such as water leaks, electrical leaks, and irregular water patterns, while extending the equipment’s service life. Drawing on industry standards, this article concisely outlines the standardized installation process, core considerations, common pitfalls to avoid, and maintenance techniques for water curtain fountains, providing a reference for the construction of various water feature projects.

I. Pre-Installation Preparation
Three core preparatory tasks must be completed before construction begins to lay a solid foundation. First, conduct a site survey to verify the dimensions of the site, the structure of the pool, and the drainage and load-bearing conditions. Fine-tune the construction plan based on wind direction and elevation differences, taking into account the distinctions between indoor and outdoor installations. Second, strictly inspect equipment and materials to verify the integrity of components such as water curtain generators, pumps, lighting fixtures, and piping. Prioritize electrical equipment with an IP68 waterproof rating to eliminate substandard materials. Finally, clear debris from the pool, level the construction surface, prepare professional tools, and designate a safe work zone.
II. Core Standardized Installation Process
The installation of water curtain fountains follows the principle of “foundation first, then equipment; underwater first, then above water; piping first, then electrical controls.” The core construction steps are as follows:
1. Installation of foundation anchor bolts: Level the pool base and precisely secure the anchor bolts, keeping horizontal deviation within 2 mm. Install vibration-damping pads under heavy equipment such as pumps and water curtain generators to prevent equipment displacement due to vibration and to avoid pipe loosening or leaks.
2. Pipe System Installation: Lay primary and secondary pipes according to the drawings, carefully controlling pipe bend radii and segment lengths to minimize water pressure loss. Pipe joints are connected via welding or flanges with proper sealing, and section valves are installed at critical points in the piping system. After installation, strength and leak-tightness tests must be conducted to thoroughly identify and eliminate potential leaks.
3. Nozzle and Generator Installation: Secure nozzles using specialized fittings, ensuring verticality deviation is less than 1%. For standard applications, tilt the nozzles at an angle of 15–30 degrees to ensure the water curtain is even and free of splits. Level and secure the water curtain generator to prevent swaying; prioritize commissioning in environments with wind speeds below level 3 to ensure a uniform and continuous water curtain.
4. Electrical System Installation: Test the insulation resistance of underwater lighting fixtures before installation; the resistance value must exceed 50 megohms. Minimize the number of underwater cable joints as much as possible; joints must be sealed using a dual-seal process involving epoxy resin potting and heat-shrink tubing. The system must be equipped with three-level residual current protection, and all metal equipment must be properly bonded to ground to eliminate the risk of electrical leakage.
5. Control System Integration: Install the electrical control cabinet, variable frequency drives, and music synchronization modules. Organize wiring and label it clearly; verify the correctness of connections; and test equipment functions such as start/stop, pressure regulation, and synchronization to ensure responsive command execution.
III. System Commissioning and Acceptance
After equipment installation, step-by-step commissioning and acceptance are required. First, conduct a no-load test run to inspect equipment operation, lighting, and valve status, and troubleshoot any unusual noises or malfunctions. Next, perform a water-filled commissioning to adjust water pressure and calibrate spray nozzle angles, resolving issues such as gaps in the water curtain and water splashing. Finally, conduct a 30-minute rated-pressure interlock test to confirm that the piping is leak-free, the equipment operates stably, and the lighting and water effects are synchronized before acceptance and commissioning.
IV. Avoiding Common Installation Pitfalls
Installation must avoid four major issues: First, eliminate non-standard pipe laying and inadequate sealing to prevent insufficient water pressure and leaks; second, do not cut corners on electrical work—strictly implement waterproof sealing and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs); third, strictly control installation precision to prevent misalignment of nozzles and generators that could cause irregular water patterns; fourth, do not skip interlock testing to identify and resolve potential equipment hazards in advance.
V. Key Points for Post-Installation Maintenance
Regularly clean debris from nozzles and pipes to prevent blockages; inspect seals, cables, and valves monthly, and promptly replace aged components; drain standing water from pipes during winter to prevent freeze-induced cracks; and periodically test electrical safety to ensure long-term, stable operation of the equipment.
Summary: The installation of water curtain fountains is a systematic project that balances precision, safety, and aesthetic appeal. Strict adherence to standardized construction procedures, precise commissioning, and regular maintenance not only delivers high-quality water features but also reduces the likelihood of malfunctions and lowers operational and maintenance costs, making it suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor landscape water feature projects.