Tourists and residents in Shanghai gathered despite extreme heat on Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of China’s first Legoland resort. Constructed with over 85 million Lego bricks, the resort includes thousands of structures and covers over 300,000 square meters, featuring more than 75 rides and attractions specifically designed for families with young children aged two to twelve.
The excitement for the opening was palpable, as tickets sold out rapidly, drawing large crowds who were undeterred by the sweltering conditions that prompted an orange heat alert from Shanghai’s meteorological observatory. One visitor, Cathy Yin, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “The enthusiasm of the staff here makes us feel like the heat is okay.”
The resort’s opening has not only sparked enthusiasm among Lego fans from across the country but also boosted local tourism, as hotel bookings surged in anticipation of the event. Niels B. Christiansen, CEO of the Lego Group, stated that the park is expected to play a vital role in fostering Shanghai’s economic vitality.
Despite the oppressive heat, attendees, including young children, managed to find joy in the experience, remarking on the fun and interactive elements of the park. While some visitors noted issues with long entry queues, staff distributed water bottles and established air-conditioned areas to provide relief.
Legoland Shanghai is operated through a joint venture between Merlin Entertainments and the Shanghai Jinshan District. The park’s launch signifies a thriving interest in experiential spending among Chinese consumers, demonstrating resilience despite broader economic challenges related to weak consumer demand.
This development not only enhances Shanghai’s entertainment landscape but also provides a hopeful outlook for recovery and growth in the leisure sector, emphasizing the importance of creativity and community engagement in driving tourism.
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