During my recent trip to Hangzhou, China, I had the opportunity to check out the Impression West Lake show. Performed at the scenic Yue Lake at West Lake at night, the one-of-a-kind show takes place literally on the lake — the stage is located three inches below the water, giving the effect that the performers are walking on water. Zhang Yimou, the director of the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, directed Impression West Lake. The two-hour show features a story of forbidden love. The show is set to music, with no dialogue. The storyline is hard to follow, as someone who previously attended the show told me. However, the stunning visuals make up for any plot confusion. More than 300 performers participate in the production. The lake and surrounding trees are also stars of the show. The audience gasped as the trees surrounding the lake simultaneously lit up in bright green spotlights at the start of the performance. Yimou utilizes lighting to accent certain areas of the lake while other set pieces are introduced. Drums, dance and large structures contribute to the ambience. One wow-factor moment in the show came when a large triangular structure emerged from the water, creating a waterfall effect spanning hundreds of feet. Sadly, Impression West Lake is closed for the remainder of 2015 for renovations and upgrades, and it will reopen in early 2016. This attraction is a must-see for anyone visiting Hangzhou. — Katie Skrzek, digital director/vice president