Legoland Shanghai officially opened its doors to the public in Shanghai, China. This celebration is huge milestone for the country’s growing theme park industry. This ambitious project represents a collaborative effort between Merlin Entertainments, the UK-based operator of the park, and local government authorities. Once completed, the park is expected to have cost about $550 million (£410 million). Additionally, it hopes to spur regional tourism and visitor spending.
Tucked away in the crowded province known for its dense metropolis of Shanghai, Legoland Shanghai is currently the biggest park in the Legoland chain, owned by Merlin Entertainments. The park boasts an incredible 75 ride strong lineup. These rides are housed in eight different, immersive themed lands, delivering one of the best overall entertainment experiences money can buy. Legoland Shanghai features an impressive detailed model of the city’s famous skyline. This jaw-dropping edifice, crafted from 1.5 million plastic blocks, stands at least 20 feet high.
The relatively seamless collaboration between Merlin, Lego’s parent company, and local authorities involved years of joint planning and coordination. The Chinese government intervened with crucial support. In addition to offering tax breaks to lure companies, they assisted in upgrading public transport connections and the key highways leading into the business park. Such projects are a testimony to a massive national campaign to develop and promote tourism in China.
Legoland Shanghai features a full-sized hotel built to house hundreds of tourists. This hotel features accommodation designed around thrilling themes including pirates and castles. Families and tourists alike are going to enjoy the new and improved experience! As part of the broader initiative to stimulate local economies, the park is expected to create numerous jobs and provide support for nearby retailers.
To increase visitor turnout, Chinese officials have unveiled massive subsidies. They’ve made available 570 million yuan (£59 million, $80 million) in vouchers and promotional deals. Nandini Roy, an expert in tourism economics, spoke to the importance of these measures, saying,
“These measures lower out-of-pocket costs for families and indirectly benefit parks through higher footfall.”
This approach is designed to increase the number of local residents who visit Legoland Shanghai. It will help attract more visitors to other destinations within China, too.
Prof. Gu Qingyang from Singapore Management University was highlighting the deep patience required when embarking on such vast and comprehensive undertakings. He remarked,
“It’s important to note that building a large-scale theme park often takes close to a decade – so a long-term perspective is essential.”
This insight reflects the long-term vision that both Merlin Entertainments and local government officials have embraced regarding Legoland Shanghai’s success.
For other theme park visitors, such as those who enjoy Disneyland and similar parks that offer lush landscapes and immersive experiences. Unlike other Legolands, Legoland Shanghai focuses on promoting creativity and hands-on fun. Artem Kapnin disagreed personally, stating that he prefers Disneyland for its ambiance.
“I personally love Disneyland more because of the general atmosphere in the park, the characters, and I really enjoy the firework displays.”
Legoland Shanghai recently opened its doors to the public! It’s a great new option for adventurous families seeking truly memorable experiences.