One of the biggest reality television shows in China — including its movie star actress — found its way to the Rockingham foreshore yesterday, delivering WA tourism an advertising gift potentially worth at least $500 million.

More than 1.6 billion people tuned into the first season of Viva La Romance and those eyes will be on WA after Hunan TV — one of China’s biggest broadcasters — finished a four-day shoot for an episode of season two last night.

Yesterday’s filming in Rockingham appeared to be shrouded in secrecy as minders blocked The West Australian’s photographer and tried to shield its biggest names, which include Zhang Ziyi the star of the 2005 film Memoirs of a Geisha.

Camera Icon Women involved in the Chinese TV show "Viva La Romance" stand on the balcony of a Rockingham foreshore home. Credit: Megan Powell/The West Australian

The WA shoot, which has also featured Rottnest Island and Busselton and was expected to finish at Cottesloe beach last night, was only in discussion for a matter of weeks before the 150 cast and crew flew to Perth on Saturday.

The show gives fans an exclusive look into the lives of China’s top celebrity couples, with five famous Chinese women embarking on a “girls’ trip”.

It was regarded as a massive hit in its first season.

The 3 Oceans Group helped facilitate the project after consultation with Hunan TV.

While the couples’ identities are yet to be announced to the show’s Chinese audience, Ziyi, Hong Kong actress Anita Yeng and Chinese TV host Xie Na were among the women spotted filming in Rockingham.

Camera Icon Three women involved in the Chinese TV show "Viva La Romance" return from a dolphin cruise in Rockingham. Credit: Megan Powell The West Australian.

A production insider said the cast had gone swimming with dolphins off Rockingham and had “loved the contrasting colours and clear waters”.

“It’s not at all what they have in China and these spots offered really good potential for filming,” the insider said.

WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said the “Where Are We Going, Dad?” reality TV series, a Chinese show shot in Margaret River in 2015, had attracted 241 million viewers with an advertising value of $347 million.

He said Viva La Romance would showcase some of the State’s most unique destinations.

“Tourism WA will be working with Chinese travel agents to convert the exposure into bookings,” Mr Papalia said.