Legoland Shanghai breaks ground to international fanfare

The recent start to construction for the Legoland Shanghai Resort in Jinshan district has escalated fierce competition among theme park resort operators in East China.

The resort, offering families a unique theme park experience based on the international toy brand, is scheduled to open to the public in 2024.

Merlin Entertainments Ltd, a global leader in location-based entertainment which operates the resort, said the resort is designed to provide 2- to 12-year-old children and their families with unique experiences integrating local Shanghai features and traditional water town elements.

Located in Fengjing town in Jinshan, the Legoland Shanghai Resort is on the southern side of Jinshan North Station and north of Tingfeng Highway.

Covering about 31.8 hectares, the resort has been jointly invested in by Shanghai Jinshan Urban Construction Investment Group, KIRKBI, Merlin Entertainments and CMC Inc.

It is the first Legoland park to have a land based on a timeless Chinese story — Journey to the West and the 500-year-old legend of the Monkey King. The "Monkie Kid" land is designed to connect Chinese children with their heritage and unleash their creativity. Based on the popular story, the resort will build a unique area influenced by traditional Chinese architecture and China's natural landscapes.

The resort aims to bring fun technological experiences to visitors by designing, developing and introducing new and advanced equipment and facilities incorporating the Lego spirit of "hands-on interaction and sharing" and the Lego concept of "learning through play".

The theme park will consist of eight themed areas covering most of the signature attractions and rides of Legoland parks around the world.

Nick Varney, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, said the official start of construction is a great achievement for Merlin Entertainments and this continues Merlin's ambition to bring more memorable experiences to families and visitors in China.