Zhang Ziyi Chinese reality show to make Shoalwater Islands Marine Park in Western Australia a star
- The real stars of the marine park, however, are its little penguins and Australian sea lions
- Local media expect park’s appearance in Viva La Romance to bring in US$355 million in tourism revenue
What is it? A couple of islands and surrounding waters that have long been a popular destination with West Australians and are about to come to the attention of Chinese tourists.
Where is it? The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park hugs the coastline off the town of Rockingham, about 45km south of Perth, the capital of Western Australia. About 15km long and 4km wide, the park has two main islands – Penguin and Seal – which, together with large coral reef formations, make up a natural barrier that protects Shoalwater Bay, ensuring its water is crystal clear, calm and perfect for swimming.
Why visit now? This beautiful part of Western Australia is about to be seen by millions of Chinese television viewers as a backdrop in the second season of the hugely popular Hunan TV reality show Viva La Romance.
Hong Kong actress Anita Yuen Wing-yee and Memoirs of a Geisha star Zhang Ziyi are said to be involved in this “husband and wife observation cure programme” and in January filmed for four days in the marine park and surrounding areas. Perth media reported that the exposure afforded by being seen in Viva La Romance could be worth A$500 million (HK$1.8 billion) in tourism revenue from Chinese tourists.
We’re intrigued; tell us more about Viva La Romance. Well, according to JayneStars.com, the “travelogue variety show” follows four female celebrities as they “embark on romantic journeys while their husbands stay in a small shed to observe their wives from afar”. By doing so, the couples are supposed to be able to “see different sides of each other as they reflect on their relationships and marriages”. It’s not clear whether the fellas’ small shed was in this beautiful part of Australia during the filming for this segment.