China's commitment to energy reform was given an unreal twist in Beijing on May 14, with the screening of a virtual reality (VR) documentary for attendees to the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

By strapping on VR headsets, viewers were transported across land and ocean to experience overseas oil and gas projects.

A VR documentary shown at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing on May 14, reveals the Sino-Burma oil and gas pipeline crossing the Lancang River in Ruili, Yunnan province. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

The VR documentary is the product of Guangzhou Time Network Technology and PetroChina – one of the world's largest oil producers.

The film was well-received by many viewers, with many saying that it paints a clear picture of China's role with regards to energy and the direction it is headed.

"It's a grand narration on responsibility and commitment," said an official from PetroChina. "We aim to adopt frontier technologies and use our special vision to overcome our hardships along with all Chinese enterprises involved during the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative."

Photographers shoot scenes in Moscow's subway which are featured in VR documentary recording the achievements of China's overseas energy cooperation. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

Guangzhou Time Network Technology sent a team of VR filmmakers to Russia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Burma and Singapore to shoot the documentary over a two-month period.

According to Guan Jian, director of the team's creative research and development department, despite severe weather such as sandstorms and extreme cold, many VR firsts were still achieved.

They became the first Chinese VR team to shoot the Sino-Russian crude oil pipeline at Mohe county in Heilongjiang province, as well as the construction of the oil pipe linking China and Burma.

To provide a better immersed audio and video experience, project members used self-developed filming theory to help with aerial shooting which is more difficult than shooting in 2D.

Guangzhou Time Network Technology organizes a team of filmmakers to capture highway scenery in Taklimakan Desert. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

"The immersion and shock delivered using VR technology are incomparable, far surpassing traditional means," Guan said.

Bilingual version of the VR documentary will soon be published online.