Toa Payo: PonteSud – News Desk
Thousands of local tourists poured into China’s first Legoland as it opened its gates in Shanghai on July 5, the latest theme park hoping to capitalise on a domestic tourism boom. The Chinese branch of the British-owned theme park franchise is the biggest Legoland in the world. It drew in early customers who flocked to attractions including a miniature train ride and a dragon-themed rollercoaster.
Despite the Chinese economy’s sluggish growth in recent years, domestic tourist spending grew 18.6 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous year, according to statistics. Eager Lego fans rushed into the park as soon as it opened, wearing themed shirts and waving branded flags as they enjoyed the 318,000 sq m compound in scorching temperatures.
Beijing has announced subsidies intended to make travelling within the country more affordable for Chinese citizens, and is pushing local governments to heavily market their attractions on social media. Companies have taken note of the wider local tourism boom and stepped up their plans in China.
A new Spider-Man attraction at Shanghai Disneyland broke ground in May, while Warner Brothers is set to open a Harry Potter experience in Shanghai by 2027. Chinese collectable toy maker Pop Mart has also opened an attraction in Beijing featuring life-sized versions of its popular Labubu toys.
