During Xi's visit, the president signed with his New Zealand counterpart, John Key, a treaty on cooperation in both the film and TV industries.

With national-level support, Weta Workshop's animation series are introduced to China and many Chinese movies and TV programs are filmed on sets in New Zealand.

Sun believes that in the future, visual-effects production will be affordable and accessible, just as easily as we can use our phone to take good photos, "after we've got enough talented people and learned sufficient experience from the West".

Taylor says that he saw many good qualities in Chinese students at his workshop.

"They're passionate, creative, hardworking and learn quickly," he says.

Gao Xiang, 30, is the only Chinese who now works as a concept designer at Taylor's workshop.

He has been there for three years, taking part in some blockbuster productions and sometimes offering good suggestions.

"After working overseas, I have more motivation to turn to Chinese culture for inspiration," says Gao.

If you go

10 am-5 pm, through May 31. Wuzhen Tourist Center, Wuzhen, Zhejiang province. 0573-8873-1088.