China’s first Legoland opens to tourists in Shanghai

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The Chinese branch of the British-owned theme park franchise is the biggest Legoland in the world.

PHOTO: REUTERS

SHANGHAI - 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.

“I personally love to play with Lego blocks and we have many sets at home... so I wanted to come to Legoland at the earliest opportunity,” said Mr Shi, a 35-year-old resident of nearby city Hangzhou, who was visiting the park with his wife and child.

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.

“Ever since the pandemic, I’ve made very few trips abroad,” said Mr Shi, adding that his family now travels to theme parks around China “many times a year”.

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