Theme parks gather pace in China

China has become the world's second-largest market for theme park industry, and the growth momentum continued even during the COVID-19 period with new investment,said Chen Jie, general manager at Legoland Shanghai Resort, during an interview Sunday.

Chinese consumers' enthusiasm toward theme parks is inspiring operators to raise investment and make plans for new projects, Chen said.

According Chen, currently there are three Legoland theme parks under construction across the nation, namely in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu of Sichuan province.

In the meantime, China's expanding middle income group also ensures the bright future of theme parks in the country, added Chen.

Taking up an area of 318,000 square meters, the Legoland Shanghai Resort situated in the southwestern outskirt of Shanghai's Jinshan district is expected to open the door to visitors in 2024.

The Legoland Shanghai Resort is jointly developed by Shanghai Jinshan Urban Construction Investment Group Co Ltd, UK's Merlin Entertainment Group, KIRKBI that owns 75 percent of The LEGO Group, and China's media and entertainment group CMC Inc.

wang_ying@chinadaily.com.cn