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They are the largest creatures to ever live on our planet – larger than any of the great dinosaurs – yet few people have ever seen one. This summer, Shanghai Xintiandi and National Geographic Channel brought you the world’s biggest baby as part of the first and only blue whale exhibition to come to Mainland China. From June 19-28, as part of Xintiandi’s “Live Life Large” campaign, the Big Blue exhibition would inspire awe and curiosity about these giants of the deep.
At the opening ceremony of the Big Blue Exhibition, special lighting effects transformed Shanghai Xintiandi’s South Block Piazza into a watery world and the life sized, nine-meter-long baby blue whale emerged once the guests press the kick-off button.
To create this stunning replica of a two-month-old female blue whale calf, a team of international experts gathered in Australia and spent over six months poring over photographic evidence, relying heavily on footage from National Geographic’s groundbreaking Big Blue documentary special because blue whales are rarely seen. The result is a breathtaking life-like creation down to the minutest patterns and textures clearly visible on its skin. In addition to the whale replica, the exhibition will feature interactive exhibits to raise awareness of conservation initiatives being undertaken to protect marine ecosystems. |
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During the exhibition, the National Geographic's Big Blue documentary would be showing at the Xintiandi UME International Cineplex. It was the world’s first documentary uncovering the mysteries of the blue whale, and followed a recent National Geographic expedition to the Costa Rica Dome where an international team of scientists revealed, for the first time, their feeding grounds and migratory paths. Through stunning underwater cinematography, the special also captured magical moments in the life of these endangered behemoths, including never-before-seen footage of a blue whale calf and adult whale singing. Audiences would also get an exclusive whale’s view via unique footage captured by National Geographic’s Crittercam® technology, in which a camera attached to the animal’s back collects image data for retrieval by scientists tracking it via satellite.
The Big Blue Exhibition also opened a window into why these animals have become one of the world’s most endangered species. Despite their enormous size, blue whales stand little chance against harpoon guns and steam-powered ships that were invented to hunt the gentle giant whales. The slaughter peaked in the 1930s, and eventually up to 90 percent of blue whales had been killed. In the 1960s, the International Whaling Commission banned all hunting of blue whales. It is believed that there are now approximately 10,000 to 25,000 blue whales on the planet.
In order to promote appreciation for nature and a harmonious environment, Shanghai Xintiandi had also prepared two special interactive installations for its visitors:
Discovering the Magical Ocean…
Walking into the installation in Shanghai Xintiandi’s North Block Square, you would see a couple having an expensive dinner inside a fancy aquarium. Walk through to the other side to see people swimming and enjoying the ocean's warm embrace. Just put on a pair of goggles and off you go! It doesn’t cost you, or the environment, a dime, but the experience is truly special! Join us in enjoying the simplicity of nature!
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1+1+1= Environment Preserved!
As a society, we are becoming increasingly demanding on our environment. Collectively, we enjoy and consume the richness of mother earth, so isn’t it about time for us to come together to take care of her, too? The "1+1+1" interactive installation in Shanghai Xintiandi’s South Block Piazza showed us just how powerful teamwork can be. Work together with your families and your friends to witness the potential of human cooperation as a beautiful picture was illuminated. Let’s all work together as one planet for a brighter and greener future!
Special Event Offers
From June 18 to 27, for every RMB 200 spent at Shanghai Xintiandi or Corporate Avenue shops and restaurants, you would receive one free ticket to watch the Big Blue documentary at UME, first come first served. Can’t make it to Xintiandi in person? Then visit www.xintiandi.com and participate in the fun games and interactive Q&A. |
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